With many Australians now considering inexpensive funeral options, and cremations tending to cost less than traditional burials, it’s common to want to understand what cheap cremation options are available to you.
Find Funeral Services Across Australia
- Funeral Directors NSW
- Funeral Directors Victoria
- Funeral Directors Queensland
- Funeral Directors Western Australia
- Funeral Directors South Australia
This article discusses the two most common cheap cremation options:
- direct cremations (or no service cremations); and
- single-service cremations.
Direct Cremations
What is a direct cremation?
A direct cremation is the cremation only of the body with no funeral service. Direct cremation may also be referred to as a ‘no service cremation’, a ‘no service no attendance cremation’ or a ‘cremation only’.
A direct cremation is the cheapest cremation option as there are no additional costs for a funeral service or ceremony. A direct cremation package generally includes transportation and cremation of the body, and return of the deceased’s ashes to the family. Many families choose to hold a private ceremony to say goodbye to the deceased once they have received the ashes.
Direct cremations in your city
No service cremations take place all over Australia. To find out more about direct cremations in your city, including how much direct cremation costs, see our comprehensive city guides:
- Direct Cremations Sydney
- Direct Cremations Melbourne
- Direct Cremations Brisbane
- Direct Cremations Adelaide
- Direct Cremations Perth
Cremations only funeral directors
While the majority of funeral directors offer a range of cremation packages, with a direct cremation being the cheapest option, there are some funeral directors – called cremations only funeral directors – who only offer direct cremations.
Single Service Cremations
What is a single-service cremation?
A single-service cremation is a cremation service held at one venue only, with the committal incorporated. For example, this may be a service held at a church or chapel, followed by a non-attended cremation.
Single-service cremations are cheaper than dual-service cremations which involve a service at a church or chapel, followed by a procession to the crematorium for the cremation.
How can I save money on a single-service cremation?
If you’re concerned about the costs adding up on a single-service cremation, consider these ways of ensuring a cheap cremation:
- use less, or use inexpensive, funeral flowers;
- choose a cost-effective urn to store cremation ashes;
- choose a cheap coffin;
- consider whether your funeral director has their chapel, which can be cheaper than hiring a venue for the service.
How much does a single-service cremation cost?
The following provides a guide as to how much a single-service cremation costs in your state:
| State | Price guide |
| New South Wales | $4,995 – $8,618 |
| Victoria | $4,220 – $8,942 |
| Queensland | $3,472 – $6,252 |
| South Australia | $2,000 – $7,850 |
| Western Australia | $4,507 – $9,232 |
Crematoriums
The cremation part of both a direct and a single service cremation will take place at a crematorium. You can read more about particular crematoriums in our city guides:
- Sydney Crematorium and Cremation Services Guide
- Melbourne Crematorium and Cremation Services Guide
- Brisbane Crematorium and Cremation Services Guide
- Adelaide Crematorium and Cremation Services Guide
- Perth Crematorium and Cremation Services Guide
About eziFunerals
eziFunerals supports individuals and families cope with end of life decisions, death and funerals. We are an independent, Australian-owned and operated company. We are not part of any other funeral company.
Our member Funeral Directors operate in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide and Australia wide. Thet are chosen for their knowledge, quality, service, personalisation and experience. They go above and beyond, and will take the time to support the family.
For more information or to make contact with a trusted Independent funeral director, call eziFunerals on 1300 236 402 or visit www.ezifunerals.com.au.
Explore More Funeral Planning Guides
Peter Erceg
Peter Erceg is the Founder and Owner of eziFunerals — Australia’s Independent Funeral Planning Authority. With more than 40 years of experience in government and public health, Peter has become one of the country’s leading voices on funeral transparency, consumer rights, and ethical funeral practices. Through eziFunerals, Peter has built a national platform that empowers Australian families to make informed end-of-life decisions — free from pressure, commissions, and confusion. His goal is simple: "to help every Australian plan smarter, save money, and choose funeral services with confidence." 🕊 eziFunerals was founded by Peter in 2011, as an independent funeral comparison and planning platform that allows consumers to: • Compare local funeral directors and transparent quotes, • Understand real funeral costs across Australia, and • Connect with trusted, independent funeral homes that uphold the Fair Funeral Promise. As Australia’s Independent Funeral Planning Authority, eziFunerals is recognised by media, consumers, and funeral professionals for its leadership in price transparency and consumer protection. “We believe every family deserves a fair, dignified, and affordable farewell — without hidden fees or sales pressure.” 📘 Peter is the author of What Kind of Funeral: A Self-Help Guide to Planning a Meaningful Funeral, a practical guide that has helped thousands of Australians understand their options and avoid unnecessary costs. He regularly contributes articles and commentary on: • Funeral cost transparency and industry reform, • Prepaid funerals and consumer protection, • Emerging trends in eco-friendly and digital memorials, and • The role of AI and technology in end-of-life planning. 🎙 Peter and eziFunerals have been featured in major Australian media outlets including ABC News. His insights continue to shape the national conversation on funeral costs, consumer rights, and ethical practices in the funeral industry. ⚖️ Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by Peter Erceg are his own and do not necessarily reflect those of eziFunerals or its members. The information provided on this site is general in nature and should not be taken as personal, legal, or financial advice. Consumers are encouraged to conduct their own research and compare funeral services that best meet their needs and circumstances.