Media Release

Debt at a funeral: Most expensive cities to die in Australia revealed

  • Sydney tops list of most expensive city for a funeral service, at $8,357
  • Average cost of a funeral is $7,449
  • Consumers encouraged to pre-pay their funeral plan to save relatives from footing the bill

16 July 2018 – Sydney has topped the list of the most expensive Australian cities to have a funeral in1, according to new research from finder.com.au, the site that compares virtually everything.

The findings, which came from a finder.com.au analysis of FuneralPlanner data, found that the average ceremony in Sydney costs $8,357 – an enormous 10% higher than last year.

In second place was Perth ($7,584) and in third place Brisbane ($7,505).

On the other end of the spectrum, the cheapest city for a funeral service in Australia is Hobart, at only $6,832 on average.

Overall, the average funeral in Australia costs $7449.

Further finder.com.au research shows that 60% of Australians – the equivalent of 11.2 million – aren’t planning to pay for their funerals before they die, leaving relatives to foot the bill.

Bessie Hassan, Insurance Expert at finder.com.au, reminds Australians of the financial impact that funerals can have on their savings.

“Funerals have been a part of our culture for thousands of years but unfortunately it’s not something we like to think about when it’s our own.

“With the average funeral in Australia costing almost $7,500, it’s important to think about who that cost would fall on if something went wrong without warning.

“The onus is on you to ensure you’ve considered the worst case scenario and communicated your preferences to your loved ones.”

The research also found that differences lie between the prices of burials compared to cremations, with Sydney topping the list as the most expensive place for both, but a $591 difference between the two.

“Burials are more expensive than cremations in Australia because of the ever-increasing price of land,” says Ms Hassan.

“When you factor in additions such as candles, celebrant fees and overcrowding in cemeteries, prices add up quickly and the cost could really impact whoever is left to foot the bill.

“Those who are concerned should consider prepaying the cost of their service or taking out a comprehensive funeral insurance policy.”

finder.com.au’s funeral plans guide provides comprehensive information on what Australians should look for in a funeral plan or insurance policy.

Cost of funerals in Australia

#CityAverage funeral cost
1Sydney$8,357
2Perth$7,584
3Brisbane$7,505
4Canberra$7,303
5Adelaide$7,114
6Hobart$6,832

1Excluding Darwin and Melbourne

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For further information

Disclaimer

The information in this release is accurate as of the date published, but rates, fees and other product features may have changed. Please see updated product information on finder.com.au's review pages for the current correct values.

About Finder

Every month 2.6 million unique visitors turn to Finder to save money and time, and to make important life choices. We compare virtually everything from credit cards, phone plans, health insurance, travel deals and much more.

Our free service is 100% independently-owned by three Australians: Fred Schebesta, Frank Restuccia and Jeremy Cabral. Since launching in 2006, Finder has helped Aussies find what they need from 1,800+ brands across 100+ categories.

We continue to expand and launch around the globe, and now have offices in Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Poland and the Philippines. For further information visit www.finder.com.au.

12.6 million average unique monthly audience (June- September 2019), Nielsen Digital Panel

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