A Summary of Average Funeral Costs in Australia
When it comes to parting ways, you want the funeral to be memorable, to celebrate the person’s life and their achievements, and to give guests the chance to say their final farewells.
Thinking about the cost of a funeral should be the last thing on your mind. Unfortunately, the rising average cost of funerals in Australia is making it harder to prepare the funeral we really want and keep spending under control.
This article will take you through some of the basic costs of a funeral, options for a pre-paid funeral and other affordable ways to pay for a funeral.
Basic Funeral Expenses
Depending on whether the funeral will be simple or elaborate, average funeral costs can range from $4000 for a simple cremation or up to $15,000 for elaborate casket and burial plots.
Many of these costs come from the services of your funeral director. They’ll be in charge of planning your funeral, transportation of the deceased; liaising with medical staff, clergymen and celebrants, and much more.
While each funeral is different for different people, here are the most common funeral expenses you can expect to pay:
- Funeral director fees
- Transportation
- Coffin, urn or casket
- Death certificate
- Permits
- Burial or cremation
- Cemetery plot
- Celebrant or clergy
- Stationary, music, floral arrangements and newspaper notices
In terms of burial, cremation and cemetery fees, you can expect to pay the following:
- Cremation: $950
- Average burial cost: $3,600 to $4,600
- Gravesite: $2,700 to $4,800
- Opening cemetery plot: $1,4800
During the first meeting with your funeral director, you’ll receive an accurate quote on the total cost for each of these services.
Prepaid Funerals
For those on a limited income, saving may not be enough to meet the average funeral costs. If you have life insurance or enough superannuation, you may already have enough savings to cover the funeral expenses, but they may not be available straight away when needed the most.
Prepaid funerals make it easy to plan ahead and secure the necessary funding for safe-keeping. This means families don’t have to make tough decisions about the funeral or deal with the financial burden of paying for it. All personal wishes are recorded and the money can be paid in flexible lump sum or instalment payments.
Most importantly, the service is paid for in today’s dollars, not what the funeral will cost when it is to be held.
Other Payment Options
Outside of a pre-paid funeral or personal savings, there are other ways to secure the funds for a funeral, these include:
- Funeral payments from your trade union, state or territory government, and Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA)
- A bereavement payment from the Department of Human Services
In the case of a terminal illness, you may be able to secure your superannuation early to cover your own funeral expenses or the funeral expenses of a dependant
Discover the True Cost of Your Funeral
To find out the true average cost of your funeral, book an appointment with a local funeral director who will be happy to discuss your specific needs.
Funerals of Compassion is an Australian family owned and operated team of funeral directors in Sydney. You receive a comprehensive range of funeral services tailored to your individual needs and circumstances and ongoing support from a dedicated team with years of experience servicing an array of cultures.
Call our 24-hour number on 1300 906 060 or enquire now to receive caring and compassionate support.
