How much does a burial cost?

If you’ve ever wondered about the expenses involved in burial services, you’re not alone. There are many questions and misconceptions around burials in Australia, particularly relating to what they cost. To help clear up the confusion and give you a clear understanding of what to expect, we have answered some of the most commonly asked questions below.

According to Moneysmart, the cost of a burial can be high with elaborate burial funerals priced at around $15,000. In comparison, funeral costs for a basic cremation can be as low as $4,000. 

There are so many factors impacting how much a burial plot costs, from selecting a cemetery location to whether you opt for a lawn burial plot or a monumental burial plot. Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about the cost of a burial in Australia with price estimates included. 

What is a burial?

A burial is a type of funeral service that dates back over 100,000 years where people lay their loved ones to rest in the earth (known as a burial plot). 

Today, families and friends conduct burial funeral services in several ways. These include a graveside funeral which involves gathering at a cemetery to pay their final respects to loved ones. Or, some families opt for a church or chapel funeral before following a hearse to the cemetery for a graveside burial service. 

The act of placing a coffin or casket into a burial plot or grave is known as an interment. While cremations are becoming more popular than burials, many religions still prefer to bury loved ones. 

What’s involved in a burial?

The death of a loved one is an emotional time. After informing immediate family members about the person’s passing, it’s important to understand what’s involved in a burial and the arrangements that need to be made for a burial funeral service.  

Purchasing a burial plot

The exact cost you’ll pay for a burial plot will depend on a range of factors, including:

• Location: Burial plots in capital cities tend to be more expensive than burial plots in regional areas. Plus, the specific grave you select within the cemetery will impact how much you’ll be expected to pay, too. 
• Plot type: Choosing between lawn burial plots and monumental burial plots will impact the cost of a burial. 

Funeral service and ceremony

Paying for a burial plot is just the first step. From there, you’ll also need to consider the costs associated with a funeral service and ceremony. 

• Preparation costs: This can cover everything from preparing the deceased in a mortuary to preparing the grave and burial plot. 
• Transportation costs: Additional charges may be included for transporting the body of the deceased from the funeral home or chapel to the cemetery’s graveyard. 
• Funeral service costs: From engaging a funeral director to hiring a space at a funeral home, the burial service can come with a range of additional costs. 

Interment and cemetery fees

• Interment fees: In many parts of Australia, you’ll need to choose between buying perpetual interment rights (meaning the deceased can use this burial plot forever) or renewable interment rights (meaning the deceased has access to the burial plot for 25 years, with the option to pay an additional fee to extend for a maximum of 99 years), known as interment fees. 
• Coffin or casket costs: Costs will differ depending on the design, size, colour and material of the coffin or casket you select. 
• Grave liner or burial vault: Each cemetery will have its own requirements when it comes to installing either a grave liner or burial vault, which are metal or concrete structures used to stop the grave from collapsing over time. 
• Maintenance fees: Some cemeteries charge a perpetual care or maintenance fee to fund the general upkeep of the burial plot for decades to come. 
• Other extra costs: Plus, there are several additional costs to factor into your budget, such as headstone selection and installation and extra depth digging. 

How much does a burial cost in Australia? 

In Australia, burial plot costs vary widely depending on several factors. The location of the cemetery, the type of plot you select, and even the coffin or casket design you choose can influence the final bill. 

Typically, the more elaborate burials (including monumental burial plots with dramatic structures and caskets) cost more than basic or even eco-friendly burials. Estimates from Money Smart suggest that elaborate burials cost around $15,000.  

Plus, demand for graves at specific cemeteries can increase how much you’ll pay for a burial plot. For example, in prestigious waterfront locations such as Waverly Cemetery in Sydney, burial plots have been reported to cost as much as $100,000. 

Examples of burial costs in different situations

The funeral service you arrange for a loved one should be unique and tailored to them. When it comes to counting the costs of a burial service, it’s important to consider the kind of service you’re planning to arrange. 

Many cemeteries offer tiered pricing packages, from low-cost burials to mid-range burials and even premium burial services. As you’d expect, a low-cost burial (with a basic lawn plot, no headstone and a simple service) will be much more affordable than a premium burial (with a monumental plot, high-end casket and elaborate funeral service). 

Another low-cost option can be opting for a green burial, an emerging trend in the funeral industry. This burial option is free from lines and vaults, instead opting for biodegradable caskets and a natural burial site that aims to have minimal impact on the land. Green burials also tend to be more affordable, with plots at Walawaani Way (Australia’s first all-natural burial cemetery in Bodalla, NSW) priced at just $3,850. 

The factors that can influence the cost of a burial

Keep in mind that there is no standard price for how much a burial should cost. Instead, the cost of a burial is influenced by a number of factors, including:

• Cemetery location: Cemeteries located in urban areas tend to be more expensive than regional cemeteries due to the limited amount of space in capital city postcodes. 
• Burial plot type: A simple lawn burial plot tends to be more affordable than a monumental burial plot due to the elaborate structures required. 
• Cemetery fees and interment charges: The plot itself is just one of the costs associated with a burial. On top of this, you’ll also need to budget for cemetery fees and interment charges, which can vary depending on the cemetery you select. 

Cremation vs burial cost 

Are you weighing up the costs of cremation vs a burial funeral?  

Generally speaking, cremation funerals tend to be significantly cheaper than burial funerals. While a basic cremation can be as affordable as $4,000, elaborate burials tend to be more expensive (as much as $15,000 or more). 

Even the most basic burial service is thousands of dollars more expensive than a standard cremation service. That’s because cremated remains require less space in cemeteries and remove the need for major expenses like caskets and coffins. 

How to plan for the costs of a burial 

Depending on the type of burial chosen, the cost can range from a few hundred to several thousands of dollars. Because of this, burial planning requires the same care and attention as any other end-of-life planning.

If you’re looking to proactive plan for the costs of a burial, consider these strategies: 

• Buying a burial plot in advance: The cost of burial plots tends to rise annually. By pre-purchasing a plot, you can secure the exact site you’d like and lock in today’s prices. 
• Funeral insurance options: Securing the right level of funeral insurance coverage (such as Real Funeral Cover) can provide a lump-sum payout to your loved ones after you’re gone to support them with the costs of your burial.   
• Government assistance: In some cases, your partner or dependents may be eligible for financial assistance from the government after you’re gone. These payments (such as income support payments and the Pension Bonus Bereavement Payment) can be used to support with the costs of a burial. 

Burial plot cost: Frequently asked questions 

Can you rent a burial plot in Australia instead of buying one?

In many parts of Australia, you have two options when it comes to buying a burial plot. Perpetual interment rights mean remains can be left in place forever, while renewable interment rights mean remains can only be left for a limited period of time (anywhere from 25 to 99 years, depending on whether you renew after the initial 25-year lease period ends). 

What happens if a cemetery runs out of burial space?

Many cemeteries in Australia are running out of burial plots, which is why cremation is becoming a more popular option. If a cemetery does run out of burial space, they may opt to reuse a burial plot (if a site has a renewable tenure) or encourage families to consider alternatives, such as above-ground burials, green funerals, cremation or tree burials. 

Are there eco-friendly burial options available in Australia?

Yes, many cemeteries offer green funeral options and natural burial sites. Typically, this includes making sustainable choices such as opting for biodegradable clothing, using an eco-friendly coffin and marking the site with a natural element, such as a tree. 

Can burial plots be resold if unused?

Some cemeteries may offer families the option to purchase a double grave with a single right of interment. However, if the second grave remains unused, it may be purchased by another person with a new right of interment. The rules around reselling burial plots vary based on location and the terms of each cemetery, so make sure to check what policies and laws apply to you. 

How long does a burial plot last?

A burial plot can be purchased permanently or on a renewable interment, lasting anywhere from 25 to 99 years – depending on whether the interment is renewed or extended. 

How funeral insurance can help with burials

Funeral insurance can make life easier for your family at a difficult time. The lump-sum payment can be used for funeral expenses such as the service, burial, coffin, or anything that will make the process smoother. While your own funeral may be hard to think about, planning ahead can save your family financial worry during an emotional time.

Find out more about how Real Funeral Insurance could work for you and your family, or request a quote now.