Quick answer
Cremation is usually cheaper than burial in Australia. A cremation with a service typically costs $4,000 to $8,000, while a traditional burial typically costs $8,000 to $15,000 or more, mainly because burial includes an ongoing cemetery plot fee that cremation doesn't.
Direct cremation, with no service at all, is the cheapest option overall, often between $2,500 and $6,000. Cremation is now the more common choice nationally, chosen for around 70% of Australian funerals.
When comparing cremation and burial, remember
- Burial usually costs more because of ongoing cemetery plot fees
- Cremation is now the more common choice in most parts of Australia
- Cremation requires an extra medical certificate that burial doesn't
- Neither option needs to include every optional extra
- Cemetery costs vary hugely by location, so it's worth checking locally
The cost difference, side by side
- Direct cremation (no service): $2,500 - $6,000
- Cremation with a service: $4,000 - $8,000
- Traditional burial: $8,000 - $15,000+
The main reason for the gap is the cemetery plot. Burial usually includes a plot fee, which is billed separately from the funeral director's fee and can range from around $5,000 to $20,000 or more depending on location and whether the cemetery is privately or council-run. Cremation avoids this cost entirely.
Why burial costs more
It isn't that burial services themselves are more expensive to run, it's the ongoing cemetery costs attached to them. A burial plot is a long-term cost, covering the plot itself and its maintenance. Cremation has no equivalent ongoing cost, since there's no plot involved unless you choose to purchase a memorial plaque or niche afterwards, which is optional and much less expensive than a burial plot.
An extra step that comes with cremation
One thing that surprises some families: cremation involves an additional legal safeguard that burial doesn't. In most states, a second, independent doctor who wasn't involved in signing the death certificate needs to review the case and confirm there's no reason cremation shouldn't proceed. This is a standard part of the process, not a sign of any concern, but it can occasionally add a small amount of time before cremation can go ahead. Your funeral director will usually manage this step for you.
Other factors beyond cost
Cost is one factor, but not the only one worth weighing up.
- Personal or cultural preference, some religious or cultural practices favour one option
- Whether you want a permanent place to visit, such as a grave or memorial
- Flexibility, cremated remains can be kept, scattered, or interred later, which gives more time to decide
- Environmental considerations, which matter more to some families than others
Compare
Ways to keep either option affordable
- Choose a simple service rather than a premium package
- Compare cemetery fees before choosing a burial plot, they vary significantly by location
- Ask for a full itemised quote so you can see cremation or burial costs separately from service costs
- Consider a smaller memorial gathering instead of a large funeral service
Sources used in this guide include
MoneySmart and state cremation and burial legislation (for example, the Cremations Association of Australia and state Births, Deaths and Marriages cremation permit requirements).
