The cost of a direct cremation with Bare averages $3,208*. Click below to see the price for your area.

When it comes to farewelling a loved one who has died, people often associate how much that person was loved with how much their funeral costs, but that is often not the case. Low cost funerals can actually allow more personalisation and offer more opportunities to celebrate life the way it was lived.

That is because families often end up paying thousands of dollars for things they don’t want - or even need - simply because they don’t realise they have a choice.

Funeral homes make their money up-selling the extras that traditionally come with a funeral, like expensive coffins, overpriced flowers and catering. The results are cookie-cutter ceremonies that are expensive, filled with unnecessary extras and ultimately do not reflect the unique life they are meant to be celebrating.

But it doesn’t have to be that way.

This article explains low cost funeral options and provides some tips on how you can plan a personalised funeral without going into hardship.

Our 5 tips to planning a low cost funeral.

1. Consider what you really want from a farewell.

The best way to plan both a personalised and low cost funeral, is to consider what was important to the deceased person and their family and friends. Were they traditional or religious, with a more formal nature? Or did they have a more casual demeanour, partial to a few drinks and a yarn?

If you’re thinking a chapel and stuffy service doesn’t really fit with your deceased loved one’s personality, consider a direct cremation. Separating the burial or cremation from the ceremony allows loved ones to shift their focus away from the funeral and focus on celebrating life the way it was lived. Plus, the money saved on a traditional funeral can be spent towards celebrating – with a wake, personalised memorial, or celebration of life party instead.

If you do decide to hold a memorial at a later date, you can also reduce costs by providing your own flowers or decorations, based on venue guidelines. Using flowers from your garden or simple arrangements from local florists can significantly lower overall expenses.

Plan a farewell that best celebrates life by making a list of your loved one’s passions and consider including them in some way. You might find that a less traditional gathering at the local pub might be a more befitting way to send them off. Or if they were a keen fisher or boatie, a seaside memorial may be more befitting.

The most important thing to remember is there are no rules when it comes to planning a funeral. And oftentimes, a more personalised service is more memorable and can end up being a lower cost funeral option.

2. Shop around.

In the same way you would with any other large purchase, shopping around is the best way to ensure you get a low cost funeral.

When searching online, use phrases like “low cost funerals,” “affordable cremations,” or “budget funeral packages” to compare providers near you. This can help you find smaller, independent services that offer better value.

The Australian funeral industry is placing funeral homes under increased pressure to be transparent in their prices, so you should be able to obtain a quote or price list from their website or by calling them. Ask the funeral director for an itemised price list with a list of what's included with the funeral arrangement. They are obligated to supply this.

If the funeral home is friendly and helpful in explaining their pricing and fees, rather than dismissive or sales-driven, their level of customer service will give you an indication of whether they are a good fit.

3. Be upfront about wanting a low cost funeral.

If you are planning a low budget funeral, it's important to be upfront about keeping costs to a minimum when you enquire about pricing.

Ask about package deals or all-inclusive options, as some providers bundle essential services at a lower price than if purchased separately. Let the funeral director know what you want and don't want to include in the funeral service. 

For example, if you want a non-attended funeral or have a certain budget, disclose these details so that the funeral home can offer a service that suits your needs and price range.

Again, if they are unwilling to work with you, it is a sign the funeral home may not be the best choice for you.

4. Don't be afraid to negotiate.

Planning a funeral generally comes at a time when families are emotionally vulnerable and generally don't have the energy to negotiate on pricing. But just like any other business, you may be able to reduce costs on some aspects of the funeral service by talking to the funeral director about price options.

5. Choose a low cost coffin or casket.

Cardboard coffins can contribute significant savings for families looking to plan a low cost funeral. The price of a conventional coffin or casket can cost from a few thousand dollars to upwards of $10,000, according to Gathered Here.

Cardboard coffins or caskets are a cheaper alternative as they are made from recycled materials and don’t include expensive embellishments like gold handles and silk pillows. This environmentally-friendly option is generally used with direct cremations, but it is becoming more popular in attended funerals due to its affordability, lower carbon footprint and the ability for loved ones to decorate or write messages on it.

What is the cheapest funeral?

It can be difficult to estimate the cost of a funeral in Australia as prices vary significantly between funeral directors and the type of funeral planned. The cost of a funeral depends on whether it is a burial or cremation, the choice of coffin, and the type of ceremony and added expenses like flowers and catering. The location is also a significant factor when determining the price of a funeral, due to varying land and crematoria fees, state government charges and transport costs.

In general, burials are more expensive than cremations due to the cost of land and additional fees such as headstones, cemetery maintenance, and any extra charges if a final committal is held at the gravesite after a church or chapel service. Burial costs also include separate charges for grave preparation and opening and closing fees, which are not included in the plot price.

To provide context, the average cost of a burial service in Australia is $5,741, which does not include the burial plot or related cemetery fees. By comparison, the average price of a single-service cremation with a ceremony conducted by a celebrant or religious figure is around $6,046, according to Gathered Here. While the cremation service figure is higher in this example, a burial typically becomes more expensive overall once the plot and cemetery costs are added.

Another way to keep costs down is by choosing a basic funeral package, which covers the essentials without the added expenses of a full service.

What’s included in a basic funeral package

A basic funeral package typically includes essential items such as transfer of the deceased into care, basic preparation, a simple coffin, medical certificates, and necessary permits. Some providers may also offer optional add-ons, such as flowers or a short service, for those who want a simple farewell that still feels personal.

The total cost can vary depending on factors such as the provider, location, and any additional services chosen.

When reviewing quotes, you may also see a “Professional Services Fee.” This usually covers the funeral home’s work in arranging and coordinating the cremation or burial, including administration, completing paperwork, and liaising with crematoria, cemeteries, and medical professionals.

Once you understand what’s typically included in a basic funeral package, the next step is to compare providers to find the most affordable option available.

Direct cremation: the lowest cost funeral option

A non-attended cremation, also known as a direct cremation or private cremation, is generally the cheapest funeral option. It is a cremation without a formal funeral service, so it means there are fewer expenses as there is no need to hire a chapel or a celebrant and pay for a funeral notice, order of service printing, flowers and catering. Without a formal ceremony, there is often no need for an expensive coffin or casket either.

How much is a low cost funeral?

The average price of a direct cremation in Australia is $3,513, according to funeral comparison website Gathered Here. Prices remain lower than a traditional cremation or burial service because there is no ceremony or service. Families will often hold their own celebration of life after the direct cremation has taken place, to honour their loved one.

At Bare, the national average cost of our at-need direct cremation is $3,208* (prices differ depending on location). Bare saves Australian families thousands by only providing the things they actually want in a funeral. To get a free quote for your area, click the below button.

Low cost funeral providers.

As mentioned earlier, arranging a simple cremation with Bare is an excellent low cost funeral option for Australians. Despite the low cost, a Bare arrangement means there is no need to compromise on the level of care.

Other low cost funeral providers include the not-for-profit funeral service Tender Funerals, which provides personalised and affordable funerals for those experiencing financial hardship. The community-run funeral provider operates in Canberra, Tasmania, Mid-North Coast NSW, Far North Queensland, and Perth metro.

The Salvation Army also offers low cost funerals in Greater Sydney, Central Coast NSW, Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula. Salvos Funerals also offer grief and practical support, including legal advice and aged care services.

In instances where the deceased person has died destitute and without anyone to pay for their funeral, a state-funded funeral may be arranged. This is what is known as a pauper’s funeral. You can find out more in our article on pauper’s funerals here.

The Australian federal government provides a number of payments, financial support, and other services to help when a loved one dies, through The Department of Human Services. You can find out more by calling Centrelink on 132 300 or reading our article How to get financial help to pay for a funeral.

Financial Support and Government Assistance

Families in Australia facing financial hardship may be able to get support with low cost funeral or cremation arrangements.

If the death was the result of a work-related injury or illness, financial support may be available through the workers compensation scheme. For example, in NSW this may include contributions toward funeral expenses and lump-sum death benefits for eligible dependants through the State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA). In Victoria, similar support is available through WorkSafe Victoria.

Services Australia can also provide bereavement payments to help families with immediate costs following a death. These may include a one-off payment or short-term continuation of income support. You can read more about How Centrelink Can Help here.

In some cases, superannuation funds may allow early access to help cover funeral expenses. Families can contact the relevant super fund to confirm eligibility and required documentation.

Crowdfunding platforms such as GoFundMe or MyCause are also commonly used to raise funds with the support of friends and community members.

Body donation programs can also help reduce funeral costs. In some states, including New South Wales, universities and medical research institutions may cover cremation costs when a registered donor is accepted. Consent must be arranged prior to death and confirmed by the institution.

Planning Ahead

Even a little preparation can help make a low cost funeral easier to manage when the time comes. Prepaid funeral plans allow you to lock in today’s prices, helping protect against rising costs over time. They differ from funeral insurance because you pay upfront or by instalment for specific services, rather than ongoing premiums.

Funeral bonds are another option, where funds are set aside in a secure investment and only released after death to help pay for funeral costs. Both prepaid plans and funeral bonds are regulated, and you can compare them on Moneysmart.gov.au.

Speaking with a licensed financial planner can also help you understand which prepaid or investment options suit your circumstances and budget.

Low cost funerals show that a meaningful farewell doesn’t have to come with a heavy price tag. For families who would like something simple, personal, and within their means, we help people across Australia with options like direct cremation. This includes services for the people of Sydney and for regional areas such as Central Coast, where our team supports families with arrangements, offering guidance every step of the way.

To get a quote for a low cost funeral, click the button below, or call us on 1800 071 176.

‍*This is the national average price of a Bare immediate-need cremation, correct as at October 2025. Please note that prices vary depending on location. For an accurate quote and cost breakdown for your location, please head here.

Disclaimer: This article and all information and pricing within it was accurate at the time of writing. Please see bare.com.au or linked sources for current pricing. This article provides general information only and does not constitute professional advice. Please consult a qualified expert for guidance specific to your situation.