Meaningful Farewells on a Budget: Navigating Death in the Cost of Living Crisis
Does a "Good Death" Have to Cost a Fortune?
In current times, the cost of living is the conversation on everyone’s lips. From groceries to rent, we are all feeling the pinch. But there is one expense we rarely talk about until we are forced to: the cost of dying.
At the time of writing this blog, the average funeral in Melbourne can cost upwards of $8,000 to $15,000. For many families already stretched thin, this price tag adds an immense layer of anxiety to an already devastating time.
I often hear clients whisper, "I want to give them the best, but I just can't afford it."
Here is the truth that the industry doesn't always tell you: The amount of money you spend has zero correlation with how much love is felt in the room.
Separating "Industry Costs" from "Meaningful Moments"
We tend to conflate the logistics of death (the coffin, the hearse, the venue) with the ritual of death (the saying goodbye, the gathering, the honouring).
The logistics cost money. The ritual is often free.
If you are navigating a death during this economic crisis, please know you have options. You do not have to go into debt to grieve well.
1. The "Direct Cremation" Option (With a Twist)
Many families are now choosing "direct cremation" (no service at the crematorium) which typically costs between $2,000–$3,500. The fear: "It feels cold. Like we're just disposing of them." The reframe: Direct cremation frees up your budget to hold a Home Vigil or a DIY Memorial later. You can gather in your own living room, a local park, or a community hall. You can play their favourite music, light candles, and share food. This is often far more intimate and personal than a rushed 45-minute slot at a chapel.
2. Reclaiming the Body
Did you know that in many cases, you can care for your person at home after they have died? Washing and dressing your loved one is an ancient, tender act of love that costs nothing but your presence. It allows you to say goodbye at your own pace, without the ticking clock of a funeral home schedule.
Knowledge is Your Best Asset
This is where Death Literacy comes in. When you know your legal rights - such as the fact that embalming is rarely required by law, or that you can buy a coffin online/make your own - you regain control.
You can have a "good death" on a budget. It just requires a shift in perspective: moving away from what we think we should buy, and towards what we actually need to feel connected.