Funeral Costs Report 2025

Planning a funeral is something most people hope to avoid for as long as possible. It is a difficult topic and often pushed aside until circumstances force the conversation. Yet when a loved one dies, families quickly discover that arranging a funeral can be both emotionally overwhelming and surprisingly expensive. 

The Golden Insurance Funeral Report 2025 reveals a clear and honest picture of what Australians are facing. Based on thousands of real experiences from people who have recently planned a funeral, the report helps explain why so many families feel unprepared when the time comes. 

One of the most common questions people ask is how much a funeral costs in Australia. The findings show that the average cost of a funeral arranged in the past five years was $8,202. Many families reported that the final amount was even higher, sometimes exceeding $10,000. When all the elements of a burial are included, such as the plot, coffin, venue and service, the total can reach around $23,000. Even cremations, which are often assumed to be more affordable, can approach $15,000 depending on the choices made. 

These are significant figures, and it is easy to see why the financial side of planning a funeral often comes as a shock. At the same time, arranging a funeral is emotionally challenging. The people surveyed rated their stress levels at nearly seven out of ten on average, and almost half described the experience as extremely stressful. Younger adults found it particularly difficult, especially those planning a funeral for the first time. 

The report also highlights how the cost-of-living crisis has influenced funeral planning. Many Australians now feel less confident that they could afford the type of farewell they believe is right for their loved ones. More than half of respondents said rising costs have reduced their ability to pay for a funeral comfortably. Some said they were not sure how they would manage the financial side at all. 

Another issue the report brings to light is how few people have talked about their funeral wishes or made any financial plans. Many respondents had never discussed the topic with family. Almost one in four had not put aside any money for their own funeral. Even those who had saved something often found the amount fell short of the average cost. For many Australians, thinking about their own funeral felt too uncomfortable, too expensive or simply not urgent.

These gaps in preparation can have real consequences. Almost half of the people who had helped organise a funeral in recent years ended up paying part of the cost out of their own pocket. The average contribution was over $5,500, which many described as an added burden at a time when they were already grieving. 

There is, however, a positive insight into the findings. Families who used an insurance payout to cover funeral costs reported a noticeably different experience. More than eight in ten said it allowed them to plan the farewell their loved one wanted without having to worry as much about money. They felt more supported and less pressured during the process. While funeral insurance cannot remove the sadness of losing someone, it can help ease the financial and practical strain that so often adds to the stress of planning a funeral. 

The Golden Insurance Funeral Report 2025 shows that taking small steps now can make all the difference for your loved ones. That might be having a conversation with family about what you want your send off to look like, learning more about typical funeral costs, or considering if funeral insurance is right for you. 

Read the full report to learn more about what influences funeral costs and find out how you can better prepare for your future, so your loved ones will have the support they need to guide them through one of life’s most difficult moments.