What is the cheapest funeral?

Funerals don't have to cost a fortune and for many, finding the most affordable option is not only a practical necessity but a conscious choice.

Whether you're working with a limited budget, or simply feel that money is better spent supporting your family than on funeral costs, there are more affordable options available than you might think.

In this guide, we explore everything you need to know about arranging a low-cost funeral in the UK, including:

• What is a direct cremation and why it's the most affordable funeral available
• Is a cremation cheaper than a burial? A clear cost comparison
• Top tips on how to reduce funeral costs - Practical ways to save
• What happens if there are no funds for a funeral - Your options explained
• The benefits of prepaying with a funeral plan - How it could protect your family from rising costs

Whether you're planning ahead or need to arrange an affordable funeral at short notice, this guide will help you make an informed decision.

Direct cremation - The cheapest funeral option

A direct cremation is the simplest and most affordable type of funeral available in the UK.

There's no funeral service, no ceremony and no mourners present at the crematorium; hence it's sometomes referred as 'no funeral just cremation'.

The deceased is collected, cremated privately, and the ashes returned to the family, who can choose to hold a memorial in their own time.

It’s also, by some distance, the cheapest option. According to SunLife's Cost of Dying Report, the average cost of a direct cremation in 2025 was £1,628 - compared to £4,200 for a traditional attended cremation and £5,440 for a traditional attended burial*.

That represents a sizeable average saving of over £2,500 against an attended cremation and nearly £4,000 against a traditional burial.

It's perhaps no surprise, then, that direct cremations have grown rapidly in popularity. In 2019, they accounted for just 3% of all UK funerals, by 2025 that figure had risen to 21%, a sevenfold increase in six years*.

For families looking for a dignified, low-cost farewell without the formality or expense of a traditional funeral, a direct cremation is often the most practical choice.

Cremation vs burial - Which is cheaper?

While a direct cremation is the most affordable funeral option, it isn't the right choice for everyone.

For families who want mourners present and a funeral service, the choice typically comes down to an attended cremation or a traditional burial.

Of the two, a cremation is consistently the more affordable option. A traditional attended cremation costs on average £4,200, compared to £5,440 for a traditional attended burial. That's a difference of £1,240, or -23% cheaper.

The reason burials cost more comes down to a number of additional expenses that cremations simply don't incur, most notably:

• Burial plot - The cost of purchasing a grave space, which can range from a few hundred pounds in rural areas to several thousand in cities like London
• Interment fees - The cost of grave digging and preparation
• Headstone - Whilst optional, a headstone or memorial marker is an additional expense most families choose to include
• Maintenance and cemetery charges - Many cemeteries charge ongoing or one‑off maintenance fees for grave upkeep

For a full breakdown of the costs associated with burial versus cremation, see our dedicated is a cremation cheaper than a burial? guide.

Reducing the cost further - Simple vs traditional funerals

It's also worth noting that both cremation and burial costs can be reduced significantly by opting for a simpler service - cutting back on optional extras such as pallbearers, premium coffins, limousines and elaborate floral arrangements.

Opting for a simpler service could bring costs down considerably:

Choosing a simple attended cremation over a traditional burial, for example, represents a saving of nearly £2,000, without sacrificing the opportunity for loved ones to gather and say goodbye.

Practical tips to reduce funeral costs

There are a number of practical steps you can take to reduce the overall cost of a funeral, without compromising on the quality of the send-off.

• Choose a direct cremation - The simplest and most significant cost saving available, removing the expense of a formal service, hearse, pallbearers and crematorium ceremony
• Use a budget coffin - Coffins vary significantly in price; a simple, dignified option can save hundreds of pounds compared to a premium alternative
• Choose a budget urn - As with coffins, urns vary in cost; a simple urn is perfectly dignified and a fraction of the price of more elaborate options
• Arrange your own flowers - Florist arrangements can be costly; sourcing flowers from a supermarket or asking loved ones to contribute their own can create a beautiful tribute at a fraction of the cost
• Avoid a limousine - Family members travelling in their own vehicles rather than a hired limousine/s can represent a meaningful saving
• Avoid pallbearers - If not required, removing pallbearers from the arrangements can reduce costs noticeably
• Create your own order of service - Printing your own order of service at home or using an online design tool costs a fraction of what a funeral director may charge
• Ask a family member or friend to lead the service - A personal tribute delivered by someone who knew the deceased can be far more meaningful than a paid celebrant, and considerably cheaper
• Choose the right day and time - Some crematoriums charge a premium for peak slots such as Friday afternoons; opting for a weekday morning could reduce crematorium fees
• Stage your own wake at home - Venue hire can add hundreds to the overall cost; hosting a wake or celebration of life at a family home, with food prepared by friends and family, helps keep costs down
• Avoid paid obituary notices - Rather than paying for a newspaper notice, consider free alternatives such as social media tributes, a free online memorial page or a WhatsApp group announcement to inform friends

A more personal send-off

It's worth noting that many of the cost-saving measures above don't just save money but they can make the occasion significantly more personal.

Loved ones playing an active role in the arrangements - whether that's printing the order of service, arranging the flowers, preparing food for the wake or delivering a tribute - often results in a send-off that feels far more heartfelt.

This is particularly true following a direct cremation, where families have the freedom to arrange a celebration of life at a time, place and in a style that truly reflects their loved one.

How a prepaid funeral plan could save you money

With funeral costs on a clear upward trajectory, rising by 5.3% in a single year and more than doubling since 2004, there has never been a stronger case for planning ahead.

A prepaid funeral plan allows you to lock in today's prices for a future funeral, protecting family from rising costs and ensuring your wishes are honoured.

Rather than leaving your loved ones to make difficult decisions at a distressing time, a prepaid plan puts you in control, letting you choose the type of funeral you want, at a price you are comfortable with, well in advance.

The key benefits of a prepaid funeral plan include:

• Lock in today's prices - Whatever happens to funeral costs in the years ahead, your funeral plan price is fixed at today's rate
• Protect your family - Remove the financial and emotional burden of arranging a funeral from your loved ones
• Your funeral, your way - Record your wishes in advance and ensure they're honoured
• Avoid inflation - With traditional funeral costs rising acting sooner rather than later could represent a significant saving

Simplicity Cremations offer a low-cost direct cremation funeral plan from just £1,799. One of the most affordable prepaid funeral plans available in the UK, with transparent pricing and no hidden fees.

For a full comparison of the cheapest prepaid funeral plans available in the UK see our dedicated cheapest prepaid funeral plans UK guide.

Are funerals becoming more expensive?

The short answer is yes and the trend shows little sign of reversing.

When SunLife compiled their first Cost of Dying report in 2004, the average cost of a funeral in the UK was just £1,920**.

Two decades later, that figure has more than doubled and 2025 saw the biggest year-on-year price rise since 2016, with traditional attended funeral costs increasing by +5.3% in a single year.

The cost of both attended cremations and burials has risen significantly over recent years:

The data highlights a clear pattern - traditional funeral costs are rising steadily, whilst direct cremation costs have remained pretty stable over the same period, rising by just £2 over six years.

So what is driving the increase? Funeral directors have cited a number of contributing factors including rising energy costs, increased crematoria and burial site fees, higher coffin and timber costs, and staff costs*.

Other affordable funeral alternatives worth considering

For those looking beyond a direct cremation, there are a number of less conventional options that could help reduce funeral costs:

• DIY funerals - It's perfectly legal in the UK to arrange a funeral yourself without using a funeral director, potentially saving hundreds of pounds. You can register the death, arrange the coffin and transport, and organise the burial or cremation directly with the relevant authorities. It requires careful planning but is a viable option for those willing to take on the responsibility.
• Body donation to medical science - Donating your body to a medical school or research institution means the institution covers the cost of collection and, in most cases, cremation. This makes it potentially one of the few completely free funeral options. The ashes are typically returned to the family.
• Natural or woodland burial - An increasingly popular alternative, natural burials take place in designated woodland or meadow sites using a biodegradable coffin or shroud. Costs are typically lower than a traditional burial, as there's no embalming, headstone or funeral director fees.
• Direct burial - Similar in concept to a direct cremation, a direct burial involves interring the deceased without a formal funeral service or mourners present, significantly reducing the overall cost compared to a traditional burial. However the high cost of a burial plot needs to be factored in with this option.

These alternatives won't suit everyone, but for those open to a less traditional approach, they represent viable ways to arrange a dignified farewell at a reduced cost.

What if there is no money or family to fund a funeral?

If someone passes away with no money, next of kin, or family able or willing to make funeral arrangements, the local council or hospital is legally obligated to step in and arrange a funeral.

This is known as a public health funeral, historically referred to as a pauper's funeral, though this term is now largely considered outdated and insensitive.

They typically take the form of a short, simple cremation service. Whilst family members are usually permitted to attend, the local authority will determine the date, time and arrangements. Additional costs such as flowers, limousines or obituary notices are not covered.

It's worth noting that a public health funeral is considered a last resort, arranged only where there's no other alternative and where no contribution, however partial, can be made by the bereaved.

For a full guide on public health funerals and what they involve, see our dedicated what is a pauper's funeral? guide.

Can I get help with funeral costs?

If you're on a low income or receiving qualifying benefits, such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income Support or Housing Benefit, you may be eligible for government support towards funeral costs.

In England and Wales, the Funeral Expenses Payment scheme can help cover essential costs such as cremation or burial fees, death certificates and transport of the deceased.

The amount varies depending on your circumstances and any other funds available, and you must apply within six months of the funeral.

Similar schemes are available in Scotland (Funeral Support Payment) and Northern Ireland (Funeral Expenses Payments via NI Direct).

Combined with a low-cost option such as a direct cremation, government support can significantly reduce the overall financial burden, making it one of the most practical steps available to families facing difficult circumstances.

Simplicity Cremations low-cost funerals - from just £1,399

If you're looking for a low-cost funeral, Simplicity Cremations offers one of the UK's most affordable at-need direct cremations from just £1,399.

As detailed throughout this guide, a direct cremation is the cheapest option available and with the largest owned crematorium network in the country, there's a strong chance we have a facility local to you.

Our low-cost direct cremation covers all the essential elements of a simple, dignified and fuss-free farewell:

• 24-hour collection of the deceased
• Specialist support from our funeral advisors
• 24/7 UK call centre
• Care in our local mortuary facilities
• All cremation fees included
• A simple coffin
• Transport in our specialised funeral vehicles
• Scattering of ashes in our garden of remembrance

The cheapest funeral isn't always the best value - it's equally important to understand what is and isn't included as standard before committing to a provider.

At Simplicity, our £1,399 price is transparent and inclusive, with no hidden fees.

If you're looking to plan ahead rather than arrange a funeral at short notice, our prepaid direct cremation funeral plan starts from just £1,799 - locking in today's price and protecting your family from future cost increases.

Cheap funerals FAQs:

Are there specialist low-cost funeral providers?

Yes, a number of UK providers specialise in affordable, low-cost funerals.

Simplicity Cremations, Pure Cremation and Aura Funerals all focus specifically on direct cremations and prepaid funeral plans as a more affordable alternative to traditional funeral directors.

Comparing providers is always recommended, as prices and what's included as standard can vary significantly.

Do funeral costs differ by region?

Yes, particularly for burials, where the cost of a burial plot can vary enormously by location.

The average funeral cost in London is £4,897, compared to just £3,105 in Northern Ireland, a difference of 37%*.

Traditional cremation costs also vary by region, largely due to differences in crematorium fees. Direct cremations, however, are far less affected and providers like Simplicity charge the same price nationwide.

What hidden costs should I look out for?

The headline price of a funeral doesn't always tell the whole story. Common additional costs to watch out for include:

• Doctor's fees - Required for cremation and not always included as standard
• Out-of-hours or urgent collection - Some providers charge extra for collection outside standard hours
• Oversized coffin fees - An additional charge with some providers
• Extra mileage - If the deceased needs to be transported over a certain distance
• Crematorium peak-time surcharges - Some crematoriums charge more for popular time slots

Always check exactly what is and isn't included before committing to a provider.

What does a low‑cost direct cremation not include?

A direct cremation is designed to be the simplest, most affordable farewell, so several traditional elements aren't included:

• No viewing of the deceased - There’s no chapel of rest or opportunity to see your loved one before the cremation
• No embalming - Because there’s no viewing or service, embalming isn’t required
• No funeral procession - There’s no hearse, limousines, or cortege travelling to the crematorium
• No service at the crematorium - The cremation takes place privately, with no mourners present
• No celebrant or minister - Any memorial or celebration of life is arranged separately by the family
• No flowers, orders of service or venue hire - These optional extras aren’t part of a direct cremation package

Can I talk to a funeral director about reducing costs?

Yes, absolutely and you shouldn't feel embarrassed to do so. Funeral directors are accustomed to discussing budgets and can often suggest ways to reduce costs without compromising on dignity.

When speaking to a provider, consider asking:

• What is your most basic or simple option?
• What is and isn't included in the headline price?
• Are there any additional fees I should be aware of?
• Are there cheaper time slots available?

A reputable funeral director will never pressure you into spending more than you are comfortable with.

Sources:

*https://www.sunlife.co.uk/siteassets/ documents/ cost-of-dying/sunlife-cost-of-dying-report-2026.pdf
**https://www.sunlife.co.uk/siteassets/ documents/ cost-of-dying/sl-cost-of-dying-report-2020.pdf