Funeral cost calculator
Choose a funeral type, region and any extras to see a tailored estimate.
Type of funeral
Region
Add-ons
Estimated total
£4,211 to £4,961
Funeral director: £4,211 to £4,961. Add-ons: £0. The base range runs from SunLife's simple to traditional average for this type. A traditional package may already include cars or flowers, so only add extras your quote leaves out. UK averages from SunLife's Cost of Dying Report 2026. These are guide prices, not quotes; inclusions and local prices vary.
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Frequently asked questions
What's the average cost of a funeral in the UK?
SunLife's Cost of Dying Report 2026 puts the average simple attended funeral at £3,828, and a traditional attended funeral at £4,510. A direct cremation averages £1,628. Adding a send-off, with catering, flowers and a memorial, adds around £1,312. Region matters: London averages £4,897, about 28 per cent above the UK average, and Northern Ireland is the cheapest at £3,105. These figures are updated each year when the report is published.
What's the cheapest type of funeral?
Direct cremation is consistently the cheapest option, averaging £1,628 in 2026 and typically falling between £1,200 and £2,000. It involves no service, no mourners, and the ashes returned to the family. A separate memorial can be held later at zero or minimal cost.
Will the government pay for a funeral?
If you receive a qualifying benefit (Universal Credit, Income Support, etc.), you can apply for a Funeral Expenses Payment: burial or cremation costs in full plus up to £1,000 towards other costs, or £120 if there was a pre-paid plan. In Scotland it's the Funeral Support Payment, a flat £1,327.75 towards other costs. Apply within 6 months of the funeral.
Are funeral costs paid before probate?
Yes. Banks will release funds from the deceased's account to pay a funeral director's invoice directly, even without a grant of probate. Ask the bank for their bereavement form.
