Cremation costs in the UK vary depending on whether you prefer a traditional or simple funeral, and on the location. Understanding these options can help you plan an affordable send-off.
At Distinct Cremations, our focus is to provide simple and affordable cremation funerals with no compromise when it comes to dignity and compassion. Give our respectful team a call for more information about our services.
In 2023, the average cost of cremation in the UK amounted to £3,795[1], which gives an indication of how much you could expect to pay.
This amount covers the costs of funeral director services, cremation, a coffin, a limousine, and a minister or celebrant.
The cost of cremation will vary depending on location, beliefs, and whether you'd like a traditional or simplified send off. For instance, cremation costs will be higher for an elaborate funeral compared to something more simplified or alternative.
Whichever type of funeral you choose you can make it unique to your loved one with personal touches.
[1] The average cost of a cremation in 2023 was £3,795 (SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2024, sunlife.co.uk/funeral-costs)
Burials cost £5,077[2] on average, making this the most expensive option when comparing this to typical cremation costs. This represents a 5.9% increase from 2022, when the average burial cost was £4,794.
The average UK cremation costs £3,795[3] which gives an indication of how much you could expect to pay. This marks a 3.3% rise from 2022, when the average cremation cost was £3,673.
It's important to consider that cultural, religious, or personal preferences can influence the cost of a cremation funeral, whether you're arranging one for a loved one or planning your own.
A cheaper alternative to traditional funeral options is a direct cremation, which takes place without a funeral service or mourners in attendance.
Direct cremation costs £1,498[4] on average and can make it simpler to arrange a funeral at a difficult time.
Instead of bringing your family together for a traditional service, direct cremation allows you to remember your loved one in a personal and unique way instead.
[2] The average cost of a burial in 2023 was £5,077, rising by 5.9% from 2022 (SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2024, sunlife.co.uk/funeral-costs)
[3] The average cost of a cremation in 2023 was £3,795, rising by 3.3% from 2022 (SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2024, sunlife.co.uk/funeral-costs)
[4] The average cost of a direct cremation in 2023 was £1,498 (SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2024, sunlife.co.uk/funeral-costs)
At our direct cremation, or just cremation service, the deceased rests in the chapel whilst a song of the family's choice is played before the cremation takes place.
This service is conducted without attendees, which keeps costs low and allows families the freedom to celebrate in their own personal way.
Alternatively, we offer a simple attended cremation service which gives the chance for close family members and friends to pay their respects.
To arrange a direct cremation, speak to our caring team on 01543 211997 today.
As well as the type of cremation you choose, the local region also has an impact on the average cost of a cremation funeral. Those who live in Greater London can expect to pay the most whereas cremations in Scotland are the most affordable.
Those living in a more expensive area may like to consider a nationwide funeral provider. Paying for a funeral with a provider that has one set price for their services throughout the UK could work out cheaper than paying a local funeral director.
| Region | Average cremation cost[5] |
|---|---|
| Greater London | £3,200 |
| South East | £3,092 |
| West Midlands | £2,917 |
| South West | £2,750 |
| East | £2,670 |
| Yorkshire & Humber | £2,668 |
| North East | £2,641 |
| East Midlands | £2,639 |
| North West | £2,608 |
| Wales | £2,497 |
| Scotland | £2,435 |
[5] Costs according to independent research carried out by Legal & General in 2022
The most affordable cremation option is a direct cremation, averaging at £1,498, which is £2,297 cheaper than a traditional cremation[6]. This offers an alternative for those who want to keep funeral costs low. You can have a dignified and direct cremation with Distinct Cremations or a simple attended service.
Providers like Distinct Cremations offer dignified, direct cremations, including options for attended services. Find our services below or alternatively you can view our CMA standardised price list.
[6] The average cost of a direct cremation of £1,498 in 2023 vs the average cost of a basic funeral £4,141 (SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2024, sunlife.co.uk/funeral-costs)
Our unattended cremation is a great choice for those looking for a simple, low-cost unattended cremation without a funeral ceremony. Unattended cremations take place with no service or mourners present at our high-quality crematoria where dignified care is guaranteed throughout.
Our attended, personal cremation is perfect for those looking for a fuss-free farewell and a final chance to say goodbye. With our dignified and affordable attended cremations you can have up to 8 people attend a 10 minute service or up to 20 people attend a 20 minute service.
Both of our services include only what's necessary to keep cremation costs affordable but deliver care and compassion at every stage.
We collect your loved one, care for them at our professional mortuary, carry out the cremation and personally hand deliver or scatter the ashes. We also support you with completing all of the necessary paperwork.
Even if you were planning to spend money on a larger send off, having a direct cremation frees up funds to be used elsewhere instead.
There are some cremation fees you will need to pay regardless of the type of cremation and funeral provider you choose.
Different funeral providers include different funeral costs in their prices, so shop around to find a funeral provider that includes what you would like, without you having to pay for additional extras that you don't want to use.
If you would like to have a wake or celebration of your loved one's life, there will be additional costs involved with arranging this too.
Choosing a funeral provider who specialises in the funeral you want can help to minimise your cremation costs and the support they offer can also bring you great peace of mind.
If you'd like to chat with someone to explain the details about our cremation services at any point or you have specific questions you'd like to ask, please do get in touch. We're here to support you.
Call us on 01543212000If you're looking to reduce cremation costs, there are several things you can do to keep expenses low. Here are some tips to minimise cremation costs. Here are some tips to minimise the cost of a cremation.
Worried that funeral costs will stretch your finances? There are many different ways to pay for a funeral and depending on your financial situation there may be help available to you.
One way to set your mind at rest about cremation costs is with a cremation plan which is a funeral plan specifically for a cremation. Funeral plans let you choose and pay for a funeral ahead of time and can help alleviate financial concerns.
You could also choose a direct cremation, which is the most affordable option. This option eliminates the need for embalming, viewing, and a formal service, significantly reducing costs. Families can then hold a memorial service at a later date, which can be more personal and flexible in terms of location, timing, and personalisation.
Want to learn more? Read our guide: What is a Direct Cremation?
According to the 2024 SunLife Cost of Dying Report, 59% of funeral organisers actively reduce costs by opting for more affordable choices, reflecting the ongoing impact of increasing living costs. Common approaches include:
These cost-saving measures are becoming a vital part of funeral planning as families face rising expenses.
Continue your research to keep your cremation costs affordable and find a funeral service that suits your preferences. Or give us a call to discuss our cremation funerals on 01543 212000.
Still concerned about cremation costs? There are several steps you can take to minimise your funeral expenses. Explore the different ways to keep costs as low as possible.
See more about low cost funerals
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Interested in arranging a cremation without a funeral for a loved one or for yourself in the future? Find out more about how direct cremation works and the benefits.
Explore cremation without a funeralWe offer the highest level of support, but don't just take our word for it. Below are recent reviews from customers who bought a funeral with us.
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