How Much Does a Funeral Cost in Singapore? (2026 Guide)

Key Takeaways

• The cost of a funeral in Singapore varies depending on the deceased’s religion.
• You will need to confirm with the funeral director the wake’s duration and location.
• Wakes tend to be for three to six days, with a shorter wake costing less.
• Wakes held at HDB void decks are the cheapest option, with funeral parlours costing much more in venue fees.

Losing a loved one can take a massive emotional toll, a burden made even heavier by having to deal with funeral arrangements and manage the associated financial costs.

Funeral costs in Singapore can vary significantly depending on factors such as religion, venue, funeral duration, casket material, and whether cremation or burial is chosen.

In this guide, we’ll break down the average cost of funerals in Singapore, and examine the various fees involved, funeral package prices by religion, government cremation and columbarium charges, and what families should do when a loved one passes away.

What Is the Average Cost of a Funeral in Singapore?

Here are price estimates for typical funeral costs in Singapore. Bear in mind that these are just estimates, and actual prices vary depending on the duration of the wake, the venue and the funeral provider.

What Makes Up the Cost of a Funeral in Singapore?

Funeral packages typically consist of several components, which might include the following:

• Handling of the body and paperwork – This involves washing, embalming, dressing and preserving the body, and renting a refrigerator for storage, the cost of which increases with the duration.
• Duration of the wake – Wakes are most commonly held for three to five days.
• Choice of the venue – HDB void decks are by far the cheapest option at about S$200 to S$300 for a permit, while private funeral parlours are much more expensive and can range from S$3,000 to S$10,000, depending on duration. Those living in landed property have the option of holding the wake at home, but will need to pay for the tentage and setup.
• Casket type, setup and décor – A standard wooden casket is generally the most economical option, with more expensive caskets being made of full glass or solid hardwood. Singapore casket prices can range from S$800 to S$8,000.
• Religious rites – Rites vary greatly in terms of length and cost, depending on the religion.
• Number of rituals performed – This varies by religion.
• Transport and hearse – This includes the cost of renting the vehicle and manpower needed to transport the body from the hospital to the funeral venue and, finally, to the cemetery.
• Manpower requirements – This can increase significantly for certain types of religious rituals, with Taoist rituals tending to be the most manpower-intensive.
• Funeral director services – Always ask your funeral director which funeral services are included in the package price, and which are add-ons.
• Other miscellaneous costs – Can include food catering, photos, videos, etc.

Cremation, Burial and Ash Management Costs in Singapore

One or more of the following sums must be paid to the National Environment Agency (NEA), depending on whether you select cremation or burial, as well as the religion of the deceased:

• Cremation fees at Mandai Crematorium – S$100
• Cremation fees at Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery – S$327
• Cremation fees at Tse Tho Aum Temple – S$436
• Burial fees at Choa Chu Kang Cemetery Complex (duration 15 years before remains are exhumed):
  • Muslim, Ahmadiyya Jama’at, Parsi, Bahai, Jewish – S$315
  • All others – S$940
• Inland ash scattering – S$320
• Storage of ashes in government columbaria – S$500 (up to 2 urns) / S$900 (family, up to 4 urns)

The above costs are for Singapore citizens and Permanent Residents (PRs) aged 10 and above at the time of death.

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Funeral Package Costs by Religion in Singapore

Every religion requires different types of services, ceremonies and rituals, which means that prices can vary greatly.

Package costs quoted by some funeral directors tend to be for void deck funerals, or exclude the venue fee. If you wish to hold a funeral at a private funeral parlour or your own landed property, contact the funeral director directly for a specific quotation.

Buddhist Funeral Package Cost

A Buddhist funeral service usually includes chanting, recitation of Buddhist sutras and rituals. Buddhist funerals in Singapore may also include elements such as food offerings, joss items and prayer tablets.

Taoist Funeral Package Cost

Taoist funeral packages typically involve paper offerings and rituals that can be conducted in Hokkien, Cantonese, Teochew or other dialects by Taoist priests. Taoist funeral services tend to be relatively expensive due to the complexity of the rituals.

Christian Funeral Package Cost

Christian funeral services may be led by a pastor and involve prayers, singing of hymns and reading of Bible verses.

Roman Catholic Funeral Package Cost

A Roman Catholic funeral service differs from a Christian funeral service. It may include elements such as a vigil and a funeral mass. A Catholic funeral in Singapore may also include rites of committal performed at the burial site.

Soka Funeral Package Cost

Soka funeral services differ from general Buddhist funerals, but it is still possible to find Soka funeral packages that comprise elements such as recitation of the Daimoku sutra.

Free Thinker Funeral Package Cost

A free thinker funeral service in Singapore usually focuses on honouring the life of the deceased. You can inquire with the funeral director to check what is included, and you may also be able to personalise the ceremony.

What to Do When a Loved One Dies in Singapore

Here are the steps to take before a loved one’s imminent death.

1) Ensure the deceased has written a will and check where the relevant documentation can be found.

2) Ensure the deceased has made a CPF nomination if they wish.

3) Select a next of kin to be in charge of ensuring that the dying wishes are fulfilled.

4) Choose a funeral director.

5) If the death is imminent, you can already start to select a funeral package and decide on details for the wake.

After the death, here are the steps to take.

1) Obtain a death certificate. This is either done at the hospital or, if the deceased passed away at home or elsewhere, by any doctor who can come and certify the death.

2) If the cause of death is unknown or unnatural, notify the police. They will arrange for the body to be sent to the Mortuary@HSA for further investigation.

3) Contact your chosen funeral director.

4) Select a funeral package and confirm details of the wake.

5) If the death certificate has not been obtained due to a police investigation, register the death at a police station. Alternatively, you can do this directly at the Registry of Births and Deaths.

Can Funeral Costs Be Paid Using CPF or Insurance?

The money in the deceased’s CPF accounts will be distributed to beneficiaries according to the CPF nomination they made while alive. The beneficiaries responsible for the funeral can use the CPF monies to pay for funeral expenses.

If the deceased has left any CPF money un-nominated and money is needed for funeral expenses, you can make a claim of up to S$6,000 for funeral expenses. However, you must be a beneficiary in order to be eligible to make such a claim. To do so, you will need to apply to the Public Trustee’s Office (PTO) for reimbursement of funeral expenses.

If the deceased has a life insurance policy and/or the CPF Dependents’ Protection Scheme (DPS), the payouts could potentially be used to cover funeral expenses if the beneficiaries so choose.

Conclusion

The sadness and stress of losing a loved one can be immense, but knowing in advance where and how to arrange for a funeral and the kinds of costs involved can reduce some of the mental and emotional burden in a time of turmoil.

Most funeral directors offer packages ranging from three to five days. You should select a package based on the deceased’s religion. Holding the funeral at an HDB void deck is the most economical option. However, you can also hold the funeral at a funeral parlour or at your own landed property.

If you found this piece useful, you might also want to consult our articles on the cost of owning a car and hiring a domestic helper in Singapore.