How much does a funeral cost in the UK?

What you'll really pay — and how to compare like for like.

The short answer

A traditional attended funeral from a funeral director typically costs around £2,500–£3,000 for the director's own charges, before third-party fees. A direct (unattended) cremation is far cheaper — often £1,200–£1,800. But prices vary widely between firms in the same town, which is exactly why comparing published price lists is worth it.

What makes up the cost

There are two parts: the funeral director's own charges (their professional services, care of the person, a coffin, a hearse) and third-party fees you can't avoid — the cremation or burial fee, and sometimes doctors' or minister's fees. The price comparison on this site shows the funeral director's charges, taken from their official CMA price list; the cremation or burial fee is extra and varies by crematorium or cemetery.

How to bring the cost down

Compare several funeral directors near you — the gap between the cheapest and most expensive in one area is often over £1,000 for the same service. Consider whether a direct cremation suits you. And check whether you qualify for help with costs (see our guide on help paying for a funeral).

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