Funeral costs across the UK

If you’re thinking of leaving money to help pay for your funeral, it’s worth bearing in mind that funeral costs have risen steadily in recent years. It might surprise you to know that the average cost of a funeral has risen by 103% between 2004 and 2016, and now costs £3,897.

The map on the right shows how the average costs of cremations and burials differ across the UK. And these costs don’t include extras, like flowers, headstones and catering, that can soon add up. Take a look at our receipt to see just how much your loved ones could end up paying. The Guaranteed Over 50 Plan could provide a cash sum on your death which could help towards these costs.

SunLife asked the experts

According to leading market research company Critical Research, the average cost of a funeral in the UK is now £3,897† taking into account both burials and cremations. That might sound expensive enough, but it doesn’t even include everything you might like at your funeral.

The basics are covered of course – things like a coffin, documentation, the use of a chapel of rest and a hearse. But there are some costs missing. For example, a burial headstone or the marking of ashes, announcements in the local paper, flowers etc, all of which could add hundreds to the final funeral bill. So, if you’d like to take out a plan to help towards your funeral, you may like to take these costs into account when choosing your premium. †Average of quotes for standard funeral arrangements from a sample of funeral directors. SunLife Cost of Dying Report, June 2016 (Critical Research).