Many families across the UK are facing an unexpected financial burden when a loved one passes away. While most people expect funeral costs, the hidden bill of around £1,700 – the additional costs after the basics – catches many completely off guard.
On top of this, the average ‘cost of dying’ now nears £9,797, with basic funerals averaging over £4,285. With the cost-of-living crisis adding further strain, households are under far more pressure than ever before.
What Exactly Is the Hidden £1,700 Cost?
The figure of £1,700 represents the unexpected out-of-pocket extras that many families end up covering after the main funeral expenses.
These are not just the coffin and hearse—they include the wake refreshments, travel for relatives, legal paperwork, home clearance, flowers, headstones and more. These costs pile on when grief is already very high and financial planning is lowest.
The Big Picture: Funeral Costs & Cost of Dying
Let’s look at the broader numbers to understand how the hidden cost fits into the total burden.
| Item | Estimated UK Average |
|---|---|
| Basic funeral cost | ~ £4,285 (2024) |
| Full “cost of dying” (funeral + fees + extras) | ~ £9,797 |
| Typical “hidden extra” burden | ~ £1,700+ |
| Direct cremation (no service) | ~ £1,597 |
| Regional variation (e.g., London) | Basic funerals ~ £5,449 in London |
These figures show that while the basic funeral alone is thousands of pounds, the true cost of dying—including all the small but relentless extras—can be close to ten grand. The £1,700 figure specifically captures the gap between what people expect and what they end up paying out of pocket.
Why This Hidden Cost Hits Hard in 2025
Rising costs and inflation
Funeral costs are climbing faster than inflation. A basic funeral today is over £4,000—up significantly from a decade ago. Meanwhile, household budgets are squeezed by higher energy bills, food prices and general inflation.
Lack of planning
Only a minority of people put aside enough to cover even a standard funeral, let alone all extras. Many families are forced to dip into savings, borrow money or use credit cards.
Emotional timing
Grief and logistics of loss already demand a lot. Then the unexpected bill arrives—uncertainty, travel, flowers, extra legal admin—making the financial pressure even more difficult to bear.
Real-Life Impacts & Regional Differences
Where you live and the choices you make matter. For example:
- In London, the average basic funeral is about £5,449, significantly higher than the UK average.
- In less expensive areas the cost may be closer to £3,400-£4,000.
- Direct cremations (no ceremony) cost around £1,597, but some families feel they skip important rituals.
- Many families report having to find extra money—£2,000 or more—to bridge the cost gap.
How Families Can Prepare and Protect Themselves
Here are practical steps to avoid being blindsided:
- Talk openly with loved ones about preferences and budget.
- Consider funeral plans or insurance to lock in costs and relieve your family.
- Document your wishes—burial vs cremation, service type, flowers, travel support.
- Investigate available support—government funeral expenses payments can help some households.
- Budget for the extras: besides the funeral, set aside a buffer (e.g., £1,500-£2,000) for wake, travel, legal admin.
The £1,700 hidden cost of death in the UK represents a silent financial shock for many households. Combined with the average total cost of dying approaching £10,000, it’s clear the stakes are high.
While talking about death is uncomfortable, planning ahead is one of the most caring things you can do for your family.
Taking proactive steps now—documenting wishes, budgeting for extras, and securing support—can ease the burden when the time comes, giving your loved ones one less worry at a difficult moment.
FAQs
This refers to the extra out-of-pocket expenses beyond the basic funeral—things like the wake, extra travel, legal paperwork and home clearances.
The average basic funeral in the UK now costs around £4,285, and the overall “cost of dying” (funeral plus extras) averages about £9,797.
Discuss wishes with family, consider a prepaid funeral or insurance plan, document preferences, and budget a buffer for unexpected costs to avoid leaving your family with financial stress.
