Cremation and Burial Costs: A 2021 Comparison

Funeral costs are one of the hardest things to think about at the worst possible time. This guide sets out the typical costs of cremation and burial in the UK, where the money actually goes, and the choices that make the biggest difference, so you can plan with clear information.

Quick answer: In the UK, a cremation is significantly cheaper than a burial. A cremation with a service typically costs around £3,000 to £4,000, and a direct cremation (no ceremony) around £1,500. A burial typically costs around £5,000 or more, mainly because of the burial plot, coffin and headstone. Burial is usually 40% or more expensive than cremation, which is one reason most UK families now choose cremation.

Cremation vs burial at a glance

Option	Typical UK cost	Main cost drivers
Direct cremation (no service)	around £1,500	crematorium fee, simple coffin
Cremation with a service	around £3,000 to £4,000	crematorium fee, funeral director, coffin, ceremony
Burial	around £5,000+	plot lease, coffin, headstone, funeral director

These are averages and vary widely by region. London is consistently the most expensive part of the UK for both.

What makes up the cost of a cremation?

The core is the crematorium's own fee, plus the doctor's fees for the certificates needed to authorize a cremation. A direct cremation keeps things simple: the cremation happens without a ceremony, often at a time chosen by the crematorium, and the ashes are returned in a basic container for the family to transfer into an urn of their choice.

Choosing an urn is a personal decision, and the price range is wide. Our adult cremation urns start from simple, affordable designs and run up to handcrafted designer pieces, so there is something to suit every budget and taste. A popular mid-range choice is the Infinity Cremation Urn. If you plan to bury or scatter the ashes, our biodegradable urns are an affordable, eco-friendly option.

Optional extras for a cremation service can include catering, venue hire, flowers, a memorial, transport and order-of-service cards. Each adds to the total, so it is worth deciding which matter to you.

What makes up the cost of a burial?

Burial costs more, largely because of the plot. An exclusive right of burial leases the plot for a set period (often 50 to 100 years), and prices depend heavily on the cemetery and location. On top of the plot come the coffin, the funeral director's fees, and usually a headstone.

Coffins range from biodegradable cardboard or a woven shroud at the lower end, through solid oak, up to metal caskets costing several thousand pounds. Headstones vary just as much, from a simple memorial plaque to an engraved granite or marble stone.

Other costs to factor in

• Funeral director: often the largest single line after the plot or cremation fee. Smaller, independent firms can be cheaper than large chains, though rural areas with less competition can cost more.
• Officiant or celebrant: a religious minister, or a humanist or civil celebrant for a non-religious service.
• Embalming: optional, more common for open-coffin services, and an extra cost on top.

How to keep funeral costs down

• Consider a direct cremation, the most affordable option, and hold a separate celebration of life in your own time and place.
• Buy the urn or coffin separately rather than through the funeral director, which is often cheaper.
• Compare more than one funeral director, as prices vary widely.
• For ashes, a garden, scattering or biodegradable burial avoids cemetery plot fees.

Once the ashes are returned, our guide on what to do with ashes after cremation walks through every option, from keeping them at home to scattering or burial.

Frequently asked questions

Is cremation cheaper than burial?

Yes, significantly. A cremation with a service typically costs around £3,000 to £4,000 in the UK, and a direct cremation around £1,500, while a burial usually costs £5,000 or more. Burial is generally at least 40% more expensive, mainly due to the plot, coffin and headstone.

How much is a direct cremation in the UK?

A direct cremation typically costs around £1,500. It takes place without a ceremony, and the ashes are returned to the family afterwards, so you can hold a separate celebration of life and choose your own urn.

Why is burial so expensive?

The biggest cost is the burial plot, leased through an exclusive right of burial for 50 to 100 years, with prices varying by cemetery and region. The coffin, headstone and funeral director's fees add to the total.

What is the cheapest funeral option?

A direct cremation is the cheapest option. Families often combine it with a separate, more personal memorial gathering held in their own time, which keeps costs down without losing the chance to say goodbye.