Burial cost over £1,100 more on average across the UK in 2021 compared to cremation.
Burials can take place in lots of different places and for a variety of prices – faith-based, local authority and private cemeteries, at sea, a woodland site or on private land, including a garden (see our Doing it yourself factsheet).
Did you know?
- Prices can vary a lot between different cemeteries, especially local authority ones and those that are privately owned.
- Many cemeteries will list the burial cost in two parts - the lease of the grave, often for a given period of time, such as 30 years, and the digging of the plot, often referred to as the interment.
- Graves located next to a path tend to be more expensive.
- Lawn grave prices tend to be lower than traditional graves (where you can have a surround and slab).
- Woodland graves within traditional cemeteries can be more reasonably priced. Actual woodland sites/burial grounds can be less expensive, but it varies widely. They can be a green option and tend to use trees or simple markers rather than expensive gravestones.
- Some cemeteries offer reclaimed or re-used graves, which are old graves used many years ago where the lease has expired. It usually involves the grave being dug deeper, to allow for new graves on top of the old coffins. This can be a lower-cost, but also greener option, as existing land is being used.
- Shared or public graves are offered by some cemeteries at a fraction of the price because you are only paying for the digging/interment. This is when other people, generally between two and four, could be buried in the same grave. It can be a good option if burial is a priority but you have a small budget. Most of the time it is not possible to have a headstone.
- Cemeteries often charge extra to use the chapel for a service – if this is costly, you could consider having a graveside service.
Check list
- Consider what options you might feel comfortable choosing.
- Ask your funeral director for the least expensive options available.
- If you are not using a funeral director – contact your council or do an online search.