Funeral Costs in Singapore: Complete Breakdown 2026

Average Funeral Costs by Religion

Funeral costs in Singapore vary significantly based on religious tradition and family preferences:

Detailed Cost Breakdown: What You're Paying For

1. Core Funeral Package ($1,500 - $8,000)

The basic package from funeral service providers typically includes:

2. Cremation or Burial ($500 - $3,000+)

Cremation (most common - 80% of funerals):

• Government crematorium fees: $140-$400 (Singaporeans/PRs get subsidies)
• Transport to crematorium: $150-$300
• Urn for ashes: $100-$800 (basic to designer urns)
• Total cremation cost: $400-$1,500

Burial (declining, only ~20%):

• Burial plot: $1,500-$2,500 (Choa Chu Kang Cemetery)
• Grave digging: Included in plot fee usually
• Headstone/marker: $300-$2,000
• Total burial cost: $1,800-$4,500
• Note: Exhumation typically required after 15 years (additional cost later)

3. Wake Duration ($0 - $6,000+)

The number of wake days dramatically affects total cost:

4. Religious Services ($0 - $2,000+)

• Buddhist monks (chanting sessions): $500-$2,000 (depends on number of monks and days)
• Taoist priests: $600-$1,500
• Christian pastor/church fees: Donation-based, $0-$500 typical
• Muslim imam/mosque: Usually free or donation
• Hindu priest: $300-$800

5. Catering ($0 - $3,000+)

Providing meals for attendees during the wake:

• Per person per meal: $12-$18 (vegetarian for Buddhist wakes)
• 50 people, 3 days, 2 meals/day: $1,800-$2,700
• 100 people, 5 days, 2 meals/day: $6,000-$9,000

Note: Many families opt for partial catering (evening meal only) to control costs.

6. Hidden/Unexpected Costs

Costs families often don't anticipate:

• Photography/videography: $300-$1,000 (increasingly common)
• Obituary notices (newspaper): $150-$500
• Transport for family members: $300-$800
• Memorial booklets/programs: $200-$600
• Additional floral tributes: $200-$1,000+
• Sound system rental: $150-$400
• Upgraded casket: $2,000-$10,000 (if changing from basic)
• Columbarium niche (if private): $2,000-$20,000 (one-time, but significant)

Sample Funeral Budgets

How to Save Money on Funeral Costs

1. Shorten the Wake Duration

Moving from 5 days to 3 days can save $1,500-$3,000 without compromising respect. Modern families increasingly choose shorter wakes to balance tradition with practical constraints.

2. Choose Cremation Over Burial

Cremation is $1,000-$3,000 cheaper than burial when factoring in plot costs. Government columbaria (like Mandai) are affordable alternatives to expensive private niches.

3. Opt for HDB Void Deck Wakes

HDB void decks are free (just booking hassle) compared to $300-$600/day for private venues. Very common in Singapore and socially acceptable.

4. Limit Catering

Instead of full meals twice daily, provide only evening dinner or simple snacks/drinks. Can save 50-70% of catering costs while still showing hospitality.

5. Compare Multiple Providers

Get quotes from 3-4 funeral service providers. Prices for similar packages can vary by 20-40%. Don't accept the first quote without comparison.

6. Avoid Emotional Upselling

Funeral providers may suggest upgrades ("Don't you want the best for your loved one?"). Know your budget beforehand and stick to it. Extravagance doesn't equal love.

Financial Assistance Available

1. CPF Funeral Grant

Up to $6,000 can be claimed from the deceased's CPF account to cover funeral expenses.

• Eligibility: Deceased was CPF member
• How to claim: Submit claim form to CPF Board with death certificate
• Processing time: 7-14 days

2. Community Assistance

• Mosques (for Muslims): Zakat funds and community donations
• Temples: Some Buddhist/Hindu temples provide funeral aid
• Churches: Benevolence funds for members in need
• CC/RC: Community centers may have assistance programs

3. ComCare Funeral Assistance

Low-income families can apply through Social Service Offices for government funeral grants (means-tested, typically $1,000-$3,000).

Pre-Planning: Locking in Today's Prices

Some Singaporeans are now pre-arranging funerals to:

• Lock in current prices (inflation protection)
• Relieve family of decision burden
• Ensure personal wishes are honored
• Spread payments over time (easier than lump sum later)

Caution: Only pre-pay with established, reputable providers. Ensure funds are held in trust (not company's operating account) in case of provider bankruptcy.