How much does a funeral cost?

The question “How much does a funeral cost? “There is no general answer. Depending on the type of burial, regional cemetery fees and personal wishes, the average in Germany is between around 2,000 and 30,000 euros — with a corresponding amount of leeway up or down. Many factors play a role here: from the type of burial (earth, fire, sea or tree burial) to the choice of coffin or urn to the funeral service and any additional services.

To give you a comprehensive overview, we have summarized the most important costs and types of burial. We will also show you how you can easily and transparently receive an offer tailored to your needs from Memovida.

What factors determine funeral costs?

1. Type of burial

The type of burial is one of the biggest cost factors. A traditional burial Because of the choice of coffin and grave, is often more expensive than, for example, a cremation. One anonymous burial or a Burial at sea can be cheaper overall because grave maintenance and cemetery fees, for example, are omitted or lower.

2. Cemetery fees and grave selection

Fees at cemeteries vary greatly from region to region. This includes the costs of the right to use the grave (row or electoral grave), burial fees and possible costs for using a funeral home. For example, anyone who wants an election grave in an exposed location must expect higher fees. A question that is often asked:
How much does a grave cost?
Depending on the municipality, a simple grave can start at a few hundred euros per period of use, while more complex grave sites cost significantly more.

3. Tombstone and grave care

In the case of burials in particular, there is often a further, sometimes considerable post for the tombstone and the subsequent maintenance of the burial site. The tombstone can cost from a few hundred to several thousand euros, depending on the material and design. On the other hand, if you have a tree or Burial at sea choose, costs for stone and maintenance are largely eliminated.

4. Coffin, urn and equipment

A coffin is required for every type of burial — in the case of cremation alone for transport to the crematorium. Prices range from a simple pine coffin to elegant models made of high-quality wood.

• How much does a coffin cost? On average, between 500 and 2,500 euros.
• How much does an urn cost? Simple urns often start at around 90 euros; design urns can cost several hundred euros.
• How much does a cremation coffin cost? As a rule, cremation coffins are slightly cheaper than coffins for burials.

5. Funeral service and individual design requests

Music, floral arrangements, funeral speeches, newspaper advertisements or post-ceremony hospitality (funeral feast) can quickly increase overall costs. The number of guests and the amount of time spent on decoration also determine the price.

6. Undertaker services

The most important services provided by a funeral home include:

• flyover of the deceased,
• hygienic care and clothe,
• organization the funeral service,
• Consultation with authorities and offices (e.g. applying for a death certificate),
• resourcing or arranging coffin and urn.

Depending on the scope of these services and depending on the region, the costs can range from around 1,000 to 7,000 euros.

Funeral expenses at a glance

In order to be able to better estimate the total costs, here is an overview of the most common cost blocks:

Please note that these are indicative and that there may be regional price differences.

Different types of burial and their prices at Memovida

At Memovida, we offer various types of burial — from earth burial to fire burial to tree burial. We have put together transparent packages so that you know exactly what to expect. We have listed the most important ones below. All details and the option to make an individual offer can also be found on our Price list page.

1. Burial (EARTH package)

specifics

• A burial coffin is mandatory.
• Cemetery fees can vary significantly depending on the location.
• Burial is one of the most traditional forms of burial in Germany, but it is also often more expensive due to grave purchase, stone and grave maintenance.

2. FIRE package and ANONYMOUS package

Our two packages FIRE and ANONYMOUS cover different burial options based on cremation. This includes:

• cremation (burial of urns in a cemetery),
• Burial at sea (sinking the water-soluble urn at sea),
• Tree burial (in FriedWald or RuheForst),
• Anonymous burial (without identification or grave care).

specifics

• The total costs of cremation tend to be lower than for earth graves because smaller grave sites are often required.
• How much does a funeral with incineration (urn burial) cost in full? Depending on the choice of urn grave and funeral service, the range can be 2,000 — 5,000€.

3. Anonymous burial (ANONYMOUS package)

note: An anonymous burial is often one of cheapest burials in Germany, as grave maintenance and tombstone are omitted. In the case of a burial at sea, the cemetery fees are also waived; instead, there are costs for the shipping company.

4. Tree burial in FriedWald or RuheForst

In the case of a Tree or forest burial The ashes are buried in an urn at the root area of a tree. Grave maintenance is often omitted, which saves costs in the long term. How much does a funeral in FriedWald cost?

• The costs for the space range from several hundred euros (e.g. on a community tree) to a few thousand euros (own tree).
• The prices for the urn and the accompanying funeral services are added.

At Memovida, you can arrange tree burial within our FIRE package Starting at around 2,150€ (plus forest fees) or in Anonymous package Realize from approx. 1,700€ (plus forest fees).

5. Burial at sea

Die Burial at sea is a special form of cremation. The ashes are buried in a water-soluble urn on the high seas. Cemetery fees and grave maintenance are also waived here, but there are costs for the shipping company.

• Unaccompanied sea burial is usually cheaper because there are no mourners on board.
• Accompanied sea burials, including ceremonies, are more expensive, but allow relatives to say a dignified farewell.

Sensitive support for every form of funeral: Call us 24/7, we'll take care of everything.

Who pays the funeral expenses?

According to the Civil Code (Who pays funeral expenses), the heirs are primarily obliged to bear the costs. If all beneficiaries of the inheritance have rejected the inheritance or if there is no inheritance, the financially responsible persons can Application for funeral expenses to the social welfare office make an effort.

social funeral

If a person is unable to finance the funeral, the social welfare office will step in in in many cases. This performance will also social funeral called. Please note, however, that the office usually only covers the necessary costs.

Are funeral expenses tax deductible?

Many relatives are wondering whether Funeral expenses in the tax return can be claimed. In principle, you can use the expenditure as exceptional loads discontinue, when

1. the inheritance does not cover the costs and
2. no additional insurance (e.g. death benefit insurance) or aid applies.

Make sure to keep all documents (funeral receipt, cemetery bill, etc.). Funeral expenses allowance may exist in individual cases, e.g. when deceased persons were in the public sector. Please contact the relevant aid agency for more information here.

Keep an eye on costs with Memovida

The question “How much does a funeral cost? “is complex — but you're not alone. With careful selection of the type of funeral, well-thought-out planning and appropriate services, the costs remain manageable. With Memovida, you receive transparent packages for earth, fire, sea, tree or anonymous burials — each of which can be adapted to your wishes.

Create a non-binding offer now and receive transparent price information based on your individual wishes.