Australian Funeral Costs Revealed: The 2025 Funeral Price Index That’s Shocking Families Nationwide

By Peter Erceg, Founder of eziFunerals

Published: 29 October 2025 | Source: Australian Funeral Index (AFI) 2025

Australians are finally learning the real cost of dying — and it's higher, more confusing, and more uneven than most expect.

A new report from eziFunerals, the Australian Funeral Index (AFI) 2025 - Annual Edition, reveals that the average cost of a funeral in Australia now sits at $7,750, with large gaps between states, cities, and even suburbs.

While the industry grows quietly behind the scenes, families continue to struggle with rising costs, opaque pricing, and a lack of consistent regulation.

The State of Farewells: Key Findings from the AFI 2025

The Australian Funeral Index found that funeral prices vary widely depending on location and the type of service chosen.

In New South Wales, the average cost is around $7,950, with most families opting for a cremation with service.

Victoria remains the most expensive state overall, with costs averaging $8,200, largely driven by burials.

In Queensland, the average cost sits at $7,600, while in Western Australia it's $7,850, where direct cremation is the most common choice.

South Australia averages $7,200, Tasmania around $7,400, and the Northern Territory is among the most affordable at $7,100.

In the ACT, families typically pay around $7,850 for a cremation with service.

"Australians deserve clarity when planning a funeral," said eziFunerals founder Peter Erceg.

"The AFI equips families with transparent, defensible data so they can plan with confidence and compassion."

What's Driving the Rising Cost of Farewells?

According to the AFI and IBISWorld's Funeral Directors and Cemeteries Report (2025), the Australian funeral industry is now worth around $2 billion, growing at about 2.1 percent per year.

The number of funeral businesses has increased by nearly five percent annually, but the market is still dominated by a few large corporate players such as InvoCare Pty Ltd.
 

The shift from burial to cremation continues nationwide, but because cremations generally generate less revenue, many providers are adjusting their pricing to compensate.

Meanwhile, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has placed greater scrutiny on the sector, highlighting a lack of pricing transparency and standardisation.

"Direct Cremation" — The New Normal?

The AFI found that direct cremation — a simple, unattended cremation without a formal ceremony — now costs an average of around $2,633 across Australia.

In Sydney, direct cremation prices typically range between $1,769 and $2,650, with an average of about $2,100.

In Melbourne, they range between $1,899 and $2,899, averaging $2,260.

Brisbane's direct cremations are among the most affordable, from $1,495 to $2,399, averaging around $1,950.

Perth remains one of the pricier cities, with costs between $2,700 and $3,025 and an average of $2,900.

Adelaide's typical range is $1,875 to $2,995, while Hobart's single verified package sits at $3,899.

Canberra prices average around $2,775, depending on provider.

Note: Direct cremation packages usually include professional transfer, basic coffin, documentation, and cremation arrangements.

These estimates may or may not include crematorium costs, depending on how individual funeral directors structure their pricing or pass through third-party crematorium fees.

By comparison, burials remain the most expensive option, often exceeding $15,000 once cemetery and interment fees are included.

Green Funerals and Eco-Choices on the Rise

The 2025 AFI also revealed a growing interest in eco-friendly and sustainable funeral options.

Biodegradable coffins — such as the DaisyBox™ cardboard coffin — and natural burial sites are becoming more popular among environmentally conscious families.

More Australians are also pre-planning their funerals, locking in today's prices through prepaid or bonded plans, and using online platforms like eziFunerals.com.au to compare prices and services without pressure or hidden costs.

Why Transparency Matters

The ACCC has repeatedly warned that funeral providers must ensure clear and accurate price disclosures.

Hidden fees, misleading "package" pricing, and emotional upselling have been identified as key consumer pain points.

"Many Australians are still paying too much — or don't realise they have a choice," said Erceg.

"The AFI brings sunlight to an industry that too often hides behind grief and complexity."

To protect consumers, eziFunerals developed an audit trail based on public price lists, consumer submissions, and cross-checks against CHOICE, Australian Seniors, and state Fair Trading agencies to validate the AFI's findings.

Funeral Trends to Watch in 2026

The AFI forecasts several key trends shaping the future of funerals in Australia:

• Direct cremations are increasing by around 3 percent year-on-year.
• Demand for eco-friendly coffins and natural burials continues to rise.
• More families are pre-paying or using funeral bonds to manage costs.
• Consumers are increasingly using comparison websites to find transparent pricing.
• Families are demanding simpler, dignified, low-cost services over high-pressure sales models.

What This Means for Australian Families

Funeral prices vary more than ever, but access to transparent information empowers families to make better decisions.

With eziFunerals' Funeral Cost Comparison Tool, Australians can:

• Compare funeral directors in their area
• Get transparent quotes before committing
• Avoid hidden fees and emotional upselling

➡️ Start your search today: Compare Funeral Costs with eziFunerals