A simple funeral in the UK now costs an average of £3,828, according to the SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2026 - the UK's longest-running study of funeral costs. Once you add extras such as flowers, catering and a wake, the average rises to £5,140.
Costs vary a great deal depending on the type of funeral and where you live, so it helps to know what drives the price.
Average costs by type of funeral (2026)
| Type of funeral | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Direct cremation | £1,628 |
| Simple attended cremation | £3,518 |
| Simple attended funeral (all types) | £3,828 |
| Traditional attended funeral | £4,510 |
| Simple attended burial | £4,758 |
Burial usually costs more than cremation, largely because of the cost of the grave.
What a simple funeral usually covers
- the funeral director's fees
- a coffin
- a hearse
- the cremation or burial fees
- a minister's or celebrant's fee
Extras that add to the cost
On average, families spend a further £1,312 on extras such as:
- flowers
- a wake, including venue hire and catering
- extra funeral cars
- printed order of service sheets
- death notices in newspapers
A headstone or memorial, and the cost of dealing with the estate, come on top of this.
Where you live makes a difference
London is the most expensive part of the UK, where a simple funeral averages £4,897. Northern Ireland is the least expensive, at £3,105.
| Region | Average cost |
|---|---|
| London | £4,897 |
| East and West Midlands | £4,222 |
| South East and East of England | £4,173 |
| South West England | £3,892 |
| North West England | £3,748 |
| Yorkshire and the Humber | £3,717 |
| Scotland | £3,655 |
| Wales | £3,459 |
| North East England | £3,411 |
| Northern Ireland | £3,105 |
| UK average | £3,828 |
Source: SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2026, checked 11 September 2026.
Direct cremation
A direct cremation is a cremation with no funeral service beforehand, and no mourners attend. At an average of £1,628, it costs less than half as much as a simple attended funeral, and it's becoming more popular. Many families hold their own memorial or celebration of life afterwards, at a time and place that suits them.
Compare funeral directors' prices
Funeral directors must publish a standard price list, so you can compare like with like. Ask for it, or look for it on their website - and it's worth getting prices from more than one.
Find funeral directors near you
Ways to keep costs down
- Ask what's included in a funeral director's simplest package
- Choose a simple coffin
- Consider a direct cremation, with your own gathering afterwards
- Use your own cars rather than extra funeral cars
- Hold the wake at home or in a community venue
- Ask people to give to a charity instead of sending flowers
Help paying for a funeral
If you're on a low income and get certain benefits, you may be able to get help from the government - a Funeral Expenses Payment in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, or a Funeral Support Payment in Scotland. See our guide to paying for a funeral.
Reviewed by the Arranging a Funeral team - September 2026. Figures from the SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2026.
See also Direct cremation.
See also Natural and woodland burial.
Common questions
How much does a funeral cost in the UK?
A simple funeral costs an average of £3,828 (SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2026). With extras such as flowers and a wake, the average rises to £5,140.
What is the cheapest type of funeral?
Usually a direct cremation, with no service beforehand. It averages £1,628.
Where are funerals most expensive?
London, where a simple funeral averages £4,897. Northern Ireland is the least expensive, at £3,105.
How can I compare funeral directors' prices?
Every funeral director must publish a standard price list. Ask for it, or look on their website, and get prices from more than one.
Is there help with funeral costs?
If you're on a low income and get certain benefits, you may get a Funeral Expenses Payment (England, Wales and Northern Ireland) or a Funeral Support Payment (Scotland). See [paying for a funeral](/advice/arranging-a-funeral/paying-for-a-funeral/).