What is the cost of a funeral?

The price of a funeral in 2025 is composed of several factors such as the choice of coffin, ceremony type, headstone, and advertising. Costs vary significantly based on the personal choices made, with an average price of around 30.000,– to 50.000,– NOK for a standard funeral.

Prices can vary in both directions depending on what kind of options you want or how simple you want it to be.

Here are some price examples of different funeral package options:

• Funerals without a ceremony typically start from around NOK 13.500,–. These consist of the most basic services such as direct transportation to the crematorium or cemetery, but without a formal ceremony.
• Affordable funerals with a ceremony start from around NOK 30.000,–. They consist of a simple ceremony at a chosen location, but with somewhat limited customization options.
• Traditional funerals with a ceremony usually start from around NOK 36.000,–. The price of this type of funeral varies depending on which additional services you use. These include, for example, the choice of flowers, memorial service and headstone.
• Funerals with a religious ceremony that also includes services under the auspices of the Church of Norway or other religious communities usually start from around NOK 40.000,–.
• Ceremonies with live broadcasts, which allow for digital participation, usually start from around NOK 43.000,–.
• Personalized ceremonies start from around NOK 38.000,–. The price of a personalized funeral varies widely but increases depending on which options you choose. For example, there may be specially adapted music or your own special wishes for the program.
• For large, personalized ceremonies with extensive services and extras such as music and large flower arrangements, the price can reach up to NOK 50.000,–.

This gives a good indication of what the various funeral types cost in Norway today.

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How much does a coffin for a funeral cost?

The price of coffins varies from around NOK 5.000,– for the simplest models to over NOK 20.000,– and more for the premium variants. The choice of materials is the biggest factor affecting the price of caskets.

How much does an obituary in a newspaper cost?

An obituary in a national newspaper can cost from NOK 2.000,– to NOK 5.000,– depending on the size and newspaper you choose. If you only choose digital options, these usually cost a little less.

How much do songs at a funeral cost?

Hiring a soloist or organist can cost between NOK 2.000,– and 5.000,–. Using recorded music is often a cheaper alternative.

How much do headstones cost?

Headstone prices in 2025 can vary from NOK 5.000,– to over NOK 30.000,–. The price is primarily affected by the choices you make in terms of material type, size and design.

What affects the price of a funeral?

The price of a funeral is primarily influenced by the services chosen, personal preferences and geographical area. Prices vary somewhat depending on where in the country the funeral takes place.

Here are the main factors that affect the cost of a funeral:

1. The coffin

   The price varies depending on the materials (e.g. wood, metal) and design. Customized caskets cost more.

2. Ceremony venue

   Renting a chapel or other ceremony space can vary in price. Public chapels are often less expensive than private options.

3. Flowers and decorations

   The extent and type of floral decorations can significantly affect the price.

4. Obituaries

   The cost of obituaries in newspapers or digital platforms varies.

5. Headstone

   The choice of headstone including materials, size and engravings affects the cost.

6. Transportation

   Costs related to the transportation of the deceased and the use of a hearse can affect the final price.

7. Extra services

   Such as hiring musicians, soloists or other special services.

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Some tips that can reduce the cost of a funeral:

• Choose a simple coffin:
  A simple casket fulfills all the necessary functions at no extra cost.
• Limit the number of flowers for the funeral:
  Choose a few central floral arrangements or ask guests to donate to a chosen charity instead.
• Digital obituary:
  Consider using social media or email to inform of the passing, which is a more affordable alternative to traditional obituaries in printed newspapers.
• Hold the ceremony in an affordable location:
  A ceremony in a public chapel or a simple outdoor ceremony can reduce rental costs.
• Plan a simple memorial gathering:
  Holding the memorial gathering at home or in another personal space can be more meaningful and cost-effective.
• Get quotes:
  Get quotes from several funeral homes to find the most cost-effective option.

Is cremation cheaper than burial?

There’s usually not much difference between the total cost of a cremation and a coffin burial. What can make a difference is whether or not you have to pay a cremation fee. There are a few selected municipalities where you can get this fee covered. The cremation fee varies from NOK 1.500,– to NOK 8.000,–.

Who will pay for a funeral?

The responsibility for payment may fall on the deceased’s immediate family or be specified in a will. Insurance may also cover part of the costs.

How long is it usual to wait for a funeral?

In Norway, it is common practice and also stipulated by law that a funeral or burial must take place within 10 working days of the death. This timeframe is set out in the “Act on Cemeteries, Cremation and Burial” (the Burial Act), which regulates matters relating to burials in Norway.

The Act ensures a dignified treatment of the deceased and gives relatives a time frame to relate to when planning the funeral. The time frame of 10 working days gives the family and relatives time to organize the funeral or funeral service, while ensuring that the process does not drag on unnecessarily.

However, there may be situations where an exemption from this deadline can be granted. Exemptions may be granted for the sake of relatives who cannot be present within the set time frame, in the event of death abroad where repatriation of the deceased to Norway takes time, or in other special circumstances. Such dispensations are granted by the local church council or, in areas without a church council, by the municipality.

How long does a funeral last?

A typical funeral ceremony lasts about an hour but can vary based on personal wishes and religious customs.

Can NAV cover a funeral?

NAV can provide financial support to cover funeral costs for those who meet certain criteria.

In order for NAV (the Norwegian Labor and Welfare Administration) to cover or financially support a funeral, several criteria must be met. These criteria help to ensure that financial support is provided to those most in need of help to cover the expenses associated with a funeral. Here are the most important criteria:

Financial need

The applicant must demonstrate that the deceased’s estate or survivors do not have sufficient funds to cover the funeral costs.

This involves an assessment of income, assets and other financial circumstances for both the deceased and the next of kin.

Resident in Norway

As a general rule, the deceased must have been a resident in Norway at the time of death.

However, there are some exceptions for Norwegians who die abroad and for people with strong ties to Norway.

Standard funeral costs

Support from NAV normally only covers the costs of a standard funeral. This includes expenses for the coffin, burial ceremony, gravestone and certain other necessary expenses related to the funeral.

Expenses that are considered extraordinary or unnecessary are not normally covered.

Application process

Support from NAV normally only covers the costs of a standard funeral. This includes expenses for the coffin, burial ceremony, gravestone and certain other necessary expenses related to the funeral.

Expenses that are considered extraordinary or unnecessary are not normally covered.

Deadline for applying

There is a deadline of six months from the date of death to apply for support for funeral costs.

It is therefore important to submit the application within this deadline.

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We’ll help you establish contact with a suitable funeral home.

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It is worth noting that NAV’s support for funeral costs is not intended to cover the entire amount but can help ease the financial burden on the next of kin. The amount of support can vary, and the individual circumstances of each case are considered.

For more detailed information and guidance, we recommend to contacting NAV directly or visit their official website.

What do you do when you can’t afford a funeral?

There are options such as partial payment, NAV support or support from charitable organizations for those struggling to cover the costs.

How soon should I contact a funeral home?

It is recommended to contact a funeral home as soon as possible after a death. It’s important to start planning the funeral as early as possible both to make the process as undemanding as possible, but also to ensure a dignified farewell.

Other frequently asked questions regarding funeral prices: