Funeral cost calculator
A typical UK funeral costs from around £1,600 for a direct cremation to around £9,500 for a burial in London. Pick the type, region, and any add-ons to see a tailored estimate. Figures follow SunLife's Cost of Dying Report 2026, the most recent edition, and are refreshed when the next report is published.
Type of funeral
Region
Add-ons
Estimated total
£3,740 to £5,280
Funeral director: £3,740 to £5,280. Add-ons: £0. Cremation or burial fees, doctor's fees, and minister's fees are included in the base range. Actual quotes vary by 15 to 25% between local providers, so always get three quotes.
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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 of up to £1,000 plus burial or cremation costs. Apply within 6 months of the funeral via GOV.UK.
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.
