A major new investigation has exposed a stark postcode lottery in funeral costs across the UK, with prices for identical services varying by as much as £4,000 depending on where you live.
Regional Disparities in Saying Goodbye
The comprehensive Cost of Funerals Research, which analysed pricing from over 270 funeral directors across England, Scotland, and Wales, found the average price for a traditional funeral now stands at £4,562. However, the study, conducted by Pure Cremation, reveals dramatic regional differences. Families in Wales pay an average of £4,136, while in London the same service costs £5,710 – a difference of nearly £1,600.
The North East sees average costs of £5,092. The gap widens catastrophically for burials. A burial in London averages a staggering £9,050, which represents a 78% premium compared to the North East. The cost of the burial plot alone illustrates the divide: London plots average £5,064, while in the North East they are around £2,085 – a gap of nearly £3,000.
The Choice Between Burial and Cremation
The research also highlights the significant financial impact of choosing a burial over a cremation. On average, a burial sets families back £6,065, compared to £4,232 for a cremation. This substantial difference is a key factor for many households making arrangements during a difficult time.
Even within specific regions, costs fluctuate wildly. In Scotland, there is a £3,028 chasm between the cheapest and most expensive options. In the Midlands, including Birmingham, prices range from £3,737 to £6,175 – a difference of £2,438. The study found the priciest funeral director, based in Devon, charges £4,485 for their services alone, while the cheapest, also in Devon, asks just £812.
Hidden Fees and a Lack of Clarity
Ian Atkinson, Marketing Director at Pure Cremation, warned that standardised price lists often fail to reveal the true cost. "Funeral directors will put a price range next to some items, some will put 'price on request' next to some items, and there will often be a list of extras such 'additional miles' charges that it is impossible for families to work out in advance," he said.
Atkinson emphasised the vulnerability of grieving families, stating: "There remains far too much ambiguity around what's included, what isn't, and what families actually end up paying. That leaves grieving families vulnerable to hidden costs at the worst possible time." The report underscores that London funeral directors command the highest average fees nationally at £3,146, and this is before burial, cremation, and celebrant costs are even added.
