Direct cremation costs

Direct cremations are the most affordable funeral option in the UK and their popularity is growing fast.

In 2025, 21% of all UK funerals were direct cremations*. So what does one actually cost in 2026? And which providers offer the best value?

In this guide, we break down direct cremation costs, explore how prices have changed in recent years, and identify the cheapest providers available right now.

10 cheapest direct cremation costs

Comparing direct cremation costs across providers can be time-consuming, so we've done the research for you.

Below are the 10 cheapest direct cremation providers available in the UK, based on our research carried out in May 2026. Prices are correct at the time of publication but are subject to change.

• Variety - £995 
• Celebration of life - £1,095
• With Grace - £1,140
• Aura - £1,195
• Memorial - £1,195
• Crystal funeral planning - £1,245
• Distinct Cremations - £1,350
• Simplicity Cremations - £1,399
• Co-op - £1,445
• Pure Cremations - £1,595

Here we focus on direct cremation costs; however, for a full overview of how prices vary across all cremation types, visit our average cost of cremations guide.

Don't just go with the cheapest - dig into the detail

Price is an important consideration when choosing a direct cremation, but the headline cost doesn't always tell the whole story.

What's included as standard varies between providers, and what appears to be the cheapest option at first may not be the best value once you factor in the extras.

Take Variety Funerals, the lowest priced provider on our list at £995. Whilst their headline price is compelling, the removal of medical devices such as a pacemaker is not included as standard and carries an additional charge of £150 (compared to £90 with Simplicity). What’s more Variety charge £100 for delivery of the ashes (Simplicity charge £75).

Similarly, Aura charge £100 for delivery of the ashes, and an additional £250 for an oversized coffin, a cost that could catch families off guard if not identified before committing.

By contrast, Simplicity Cremations include an oversized coffin as standard within their £1,399 price.

Before choosing a provider, check exactly what is and isn't included as standard, so you can make a fair and accurate comparison. A slightly higher headline price can often represent significantly better value once all the additional costs are taken into account.

How have direct cremation costs changed?

According to SunLife's Cost of Dying reports (see sources), direct cremation costs have remained relatively stable over the past six years; rising by just £2 between 2019 and 2025, despite some year-on-year fluctuation:

• 2025 - £1,628 (+1.9%)
• 2024 - £1,597 (+6.7%)
• 2023 - £1,498 (-0.9%)
• 2022 - £1,511 (-8.2%)
• 2021 - £1,647 (+6.0%)
• 2020 - £1,554 (-4.4%)
• 2019 - £1,626

By contrast, the cost of an attended burial rose from £4,975 to £5,440 over the same period. A significant increase that may go some way to explaining the growing popularity of direct cremation as a more affordable and cost-stable alternative. 

Low‑cost direct cremations from Simplicity Cremations

Direct cremations are one of the most affordable funeral options available in the UK, but it’s important to understand that not all direct cremations are the same.

While low headline prices can look enticing, what’s included as standard can vary between providers.

At Simplicity Cremations, our direct cremation costs start from £1,399, and with the largest crematorium network in the UK, there’s a strong chance we’re local to you.

Our low-cost service includes all the essential elements of a simple, dignified, fuss‑free funeral:

• 24‑hour collection of the deceased
• Specialist support from our trained funeral advisors
• 24/7 UK call centre
• Care in our local mortuary facilities
• Cremation fees included
• A simple coffin
• Transport in our specialised funeral vehicles
• Return of ashes anywhere in mainland Great Britain (extra fee), or scattering in our garden of remembrance (no charge)

The right direct cremation for you should balance affordability, excellent customer service, and what’s included. A slightly higher headline price could represent better value once all services are taken into account.

Direct cremation costs FAQs:

What is a direct cremation?

A direct cremation is a simple, lower cost, unattended cremation with no funeral service or mourners present. The deceased is collected, cremated privately, and the ashes returned to the family, who can then choose to hold a memorial in their own time and way.

Can you buy a direct cremation online?

No, most direct cremation providers ask that you call, particularly for at-need arrangements, where speaking to an adviser can be genuinely helpful at a difficult time. Co-op are a notable exception, offering a buy online facility for at-need cremations.

For prepaid funeral plans, buying online is more widely available. Providers including Simplicity Cremations, Pure Cremation and Aura all offer a straightforward online purchase journey.

See our dedicated buy a funeral plan online guide for more information.

What low‑cost options are there besides direct cremation?

Affordable alternatives include direct burial, DIY funerals, natural burials, and body donation. All can help keep overall costs low by avoiding traditional funeral services and the associated expenses.

A direct burial is usually the closest alternative in cost to direct cremation. A direct burial is the simplest and most affordable form of burial, where the deceased is typically interred without a funeral service or mourners present.

Is the cheapest direct cremation always the best option

No, while cost is important, as detailed above, it's important to understand what the direct cremation includes and vitally what it doesn’t include as standard, before identifying the right option. 

Are direct cremation costs different for at‑need vs prepaid plans?

Yes, at‑need direct cremations are paid at today’s prices for a more immediate need, while prepaid plans lock in the cost for the future. A plan can protect families from rising funeral prices and make budgeting easier.

For example at Simplicity our at need direct cremation is priced £1,399 and our direct cremation funeral plan from £1,799. While, Pure Cremation charge £2,095 for at need and £2,095 for their plans.

For the best low‑cost options, explore our cheapest prepaid funeral plans review. 

What additional fees should I look out for with direct cremation providers?

Many families focus on the headline price, but hidden fees can significantly change the true cost of a direct cremation.

Common extras to check for include:

• Ashes delivery fees
• Oversized coffin charges
• Medical device removal (e.g., pacemakers)
• Out‑of‑hours collection / urgent collection
• Extra mileage charges

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/sunlife-cost-of-dying-report-2025.pdf 

https://www.sunlife.co.uk/siteassets/documents/ cost-of-dying/sunlife-cost-of-dying-report-2024.pdf 

https://www.sunlife.co.uk/siteassets/documents/ cost-of-dying/sunlife-cost-of-dying-report-2023.pdf 

https://www.sunlife.co.uk/siteassets/documents/ cost-of-dying/cost-of-dying-report-2022.pdf 

https://www.sunlife.co.uk/siteassets/documents/ cost-of-dying/cost-of-dying-report-2021.pdf 

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