MELBOURNE has been named as the third-most expensive Australian city to die.
A survey reports that Perth is officially the most costly city to hold a funeral at $7800 on average, while Sydney and Melbourne came second and third for funerals at $7621 and $7586 respectively.
The figures come from a study by comparison website finder.com.au.
Least expensive was Canberra, where the average funeral service costs $6131. In Brisbane the average is $7259, while Adelaide is $6657 and Hobart is $6508.
The figures follow another finder.com.au survey in June that suggested most Australians aren’t planning on paying for their own funeral before they die.
The study, which surveyed 2005 adults, found 60 per cent either hadn’t thought about their funeral costs or are expecting relatives to foot the bill.
Finder.com.au money expert Bessie Hassan said that based on the research, Australians need to start thinking about their funerals ahead of time.
“It’s concerning that the vast majority of Aussies – older generations included – aren’t always considering the cost they may be leaving behind to family members when they pass away,” she said.
“Although bleak, it’s common for a funeral services to surpass the $10,000 mark and when you include additions like candles, celebrant fees or a limousine the cost could really impact whoever is left to foot the bill.
“In fact, one in five Australians don’t have enough money set aside to cover a $500 setback, so if an unexpected death of a family members does arise it could cause significant financial stress.”
Cremation is slightly cheaper than a burial, with a national average of $6900 compared to an average burial cost of $7430.
Ms Hassan said all those concerned about leaving their family in debt should plan ahead and consider all options.
“Australians worried about the price of their service should consider a funeral prepayment plan or a capped funeral insurance policy,” she said.