The Rising Cost of Funerals in Australia: Burial vs. Cremation

Dying is not cheap, and for families across Australia, the cost of saying goodbye to a loved one keeps climbing. For many in the Sutherland Shire and across Sydney, the choice often comes down to whether to pay for a traditional burial or opt for the more affordable cremation. Both options carry emotional weight, but in today’s economy, the financial difference can be significant.

The rising cost of living has pushed up the cost of funerals too, creating what some call “funeral poverty.” More families are struggling to afford even the simplest service, and charities such as Salvos Funerals now see dozens of people each week turning to them for help. A no-frills cremation in Canberra, with no ceremony and just the ashes returned to the family, comes in at around $2,793. Many choose this option not only because of the price but also because it allows them to organise their own memorial afterwards, whether that’s a quiet family gathering or something more informal.

At the other end of the scale, the numbers can be staggering. Research by Australian Seniors shows that a premium burial in the ACT, complete with service, flowers and hearse, can cost more than $22,000, while a cremation with the same extras comes in at just under $10,000. Even the budget versions carry a heavy price tag, with burials around $16,000 and cremations closer to $6,000. In Sydney, the cost of burial plots alone has more than doubled in recent years, jumping from about $4,500 in 2019 to over $13,000 in 2023.

These figures explain why cremation has become far more common, now chosen by about 70 per cent of Australians compared to 30 per cent for burials. In regional areas the split is closer to half and half, but the trend is clear. Burial costs are tied to real estate prices, and as Sydney land values climb, so too does the cost of a grave. Cremation offers a more flexible and affordable alternative, which has driven the shift in recent years.

Funeral providers say they try to balance compassion with business reality. Many, including large operators such as Propel Funeral Partners, emphasise that they keep fees for children and babies at zero and work with families to tailor services to their needs. At the same time, funeral homes themselves are dealing with rising costs as electricity, gas and other overheads surge.

Cemeteries are also changing to reflect modern Australia. Canberra’s Gungahlin Cemetery, for example, caters to different faiths and cultural traditions, with areas set aside for Aboriginal, Islamic, Jewish and Orthodox communities, along with options for natural burials. Even small touches, like themed memorials and gardens, are becoming more common as families look for personalised ways to honour their loved ones.

For families here in Miranda and the wider Sutherland Shire, the financial side of planning a funeral can add another layer of stress to an already difficult time. It’s a reminder of why good planning matters—not only emotionally but financially. Speaking with local tax experts can make a difference, whether it’s understanding how funeral expenses interact with estate planning or making sure your finances are structured to ease the burden on loved ones.

At the end of the day, how we say goodbye is deeply personal, but the numbers show that more and more Australians are choosing cremation for practical reasons. While the costs of burials and cremations continue to rise, having the right financial and tax advice in Miranda can help families in the Sutherland Shire prepare for life’s most difficult moments without being overwhelmed by the expense.