Funeral Costs Breakdown: What to Expect in Hong Kong

Overview of Funeral Costs in Hong Kong

The total cost of a funeral in Hong Kong varies enormously, ranging from approximately HK$15,000 for a basic arrangement to HK$150,000 or more for a premium service. Costs depend on multiple factors, including the scale of the funeral, type of religious ceremony, choice of funeral parlour, coffin grade, and columbarium niche type.

This guide provides an itemized breakdown of each expense category, helping families make informed financial decisions during a difficult time — ensuring a dignified farewell without unnecessary financial burden.

Itemized Cost Breakdown

Funeral Director Service Fee

Funeral directors (known locally as "cheung sang dim") provide one-stop funeral arrangement services. Basic service fees typically cover:

• Collection and storage of remains
• Basic cosmetic preparation
• Coordination of funeral parlour and crematorium bookings
• Handling of related paperwork and procedures

Cost range: HK$5,000 - $15,000 (basic package)

Some funeral directors offer "all-inclusive packages" at higher prices that cover more services.

Coffin / Casket

The coffin is one of the most variable cost items in a funeral:

Since the vast majority of funerals in Hong Kong end with cremation, the coffin is not preserved afterwards. Families can choose a coffin that fits their budget — even a basic coffin provides a dignified send-off.

Funeral Parlour Hall Rental

Major funeral parlours in Hong Kong include Universal Funeral Parlour, World Funeral Parlour, and Kowloon Funeral Parlour, all located in Hung Hom.

• Hall rental: HK$2,000 - $10,000 (per session, typically 2-3 hours)
• Larger halls cost more
• Weekend and public holiday surcharges may apply
• Some parlours require a minimum spend

Vigils are typically held for one or two nights, with hall rental payable for each session.

Religious Ceremony Costs

Costs vary significantly by religion:

Buddhist and Taoist rites tend to be more expensive due to the involvement of multiple monks or priests, extensive paper offerings, and ritual materials.

Flowers and Wreaths

• Basic flower basket: HK$500 - $1,500 each
• Large funeral wreath (bak si fa pai): HK$800 - $3,000 each
• Hall floral arrangement: HK$2,000 - $5,000

Wreaths sent by friends and relatives are typically paid for by the sender.

Hearse and Transport

• Hearse (parlour to crematorium): HK$1,500 - $3,000
• Family transport (coach): HK$1,500 - $5,000
• Additional charges for long-distance transport (e.g., hospital to parlour)

Death Notices in Newspapers

Publishing a death notice in newspapers is a traditional Hong Kong funeral practice:

• Chinese newspapers (e.g., Sing Tao, Ming Pao): HK$5,000 - $15,000
• English newspapers (e.g., South China Morning Post): HK$8,000 - $20,000
• Cost depends on size and number of days published

An increasing number of families are skipping newspaper notices in favour of instant messaging groups or social media announcements.

Cremation Fee

Cremation services in Hong Kong are managed by the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD):

• Government crematorium fee: HK$1,580 (standard charge)
• Bone-picking service (collecting ashes after cremation): arranged by funeral director, typically included in service fee
• Urn: HK$500 - $5,000

Government crematoria include Cape Collinson, Diamond Hill, Fu Shan, Kwai Chung, Wo Hop Shek, and Cheung Chau.

Columbarium Niche

The columbarium niche is one of the most variable cost items:

Government niches are affordable but supply is extremely tight, with waiting times of several years. Private niche prices vary enormously. In recent years, the government has been promoting free green burial options such as scattering ashes in Gardens of Remembrance or at sea.

Miscellaneous Expenses

• Enlarged and framed portrait: HK$300 - $1,000
• Order of service printing: HK$500 - $2,000
• Thank-you cards / towels: HK$500 - $2,000
• Post-funeral dinner (gaai wai jau): HK$3,000 - $15,000 (depending on headcount and restaurant)
• Condolence money return gifts (bak gam): traditionally, recipients return towels and sweets

Three Sample Budgets

Budget 1: Basic/Economical (HK$15,000 - $25,000)

• Funeral director basic package: $8,000
• Basic coffin: $3,000
• Small hall, one session: $2,000
• Simple secular ceremony: $1,000
• Cremation fee: $1,580
• Basic urn: $500
• Hearse: $1,500

Suitable for: Families on a tight budget, when the deceased expressly wished for simplicity, CSSA recipient families.

Budget 2: Standard (HK$30,000 - $60,000)

• Funeral director standard package: $12,000
• Mid-range coffin: $10,000
• Medium hall, two sessions (one night vigil + funeral day): $8,000
• Buddhist or Christian ceremony: $10,000
• Floral arrangement: $3,000
• Cremation fee: $1,580
• Urn: $1,500
• Hearse and family coach: $3,000
• Portrait, order of service, miscellaneous: $2,000
• Post-funeral dinner (30 guests): $5,000

Suitable for: The most common choice for Hong Kong families — dignified and respectful at a reasonable cost.

Budget 3: Premium (HK$80,000 - $150,000+)

• Funeral director premium package: $20,000
• Premium solid wood coffin: $30,000
• Large hall, multiple sessions (two-night vigil + funeral day): $15,000
• Full Taoist or Buddhist rites: $25,000
• Elaborate floral arrangement: $5,000
• Cremation fee: $1,580
• Premium urn: $3,000
• Newspaper death notice: $10,000
• Hearse and multiple family coaches: $5,000
• Miscellaneous items: $5,000
• Large post-funeral banquet: $15,000
• Private columbarium niche: $50,000+ (separate)

Suitable for: Families who value traditional rites, public figures, corporate executives.

Government Financial Assistance

The Hong Kong government provides several forms of funeral cost assistance for families in need:

CSSA Funeral Grant

• Amount: up to approximately HK$17,960 (subject to periodic adjustment)
• Eligibility: Family members of Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) recipients
• Application: Through the Social Welfare Department
• Coverage: Basic funeral expenses including coffin, cremation, and basic ceremony

Civil Service Funeral Allowance

• Families of serving or retired civil servants who have passed away may apply for a funeral allowance
• The amount depends on the officer's rank
• Application is made through the department's human resources section

Work Injury Death Compensation

• If death resulted from a work injury or occupational disease, family members can claim compensation under the Employees' Compensation Ordinance
• Compensation scope includes funeral expenses (subject to a statutory cap)
• Legal advice is recommended to understand the claimable amount

Other Sources of Assistance

• Charitable organizations: Some charities provide emergency funeral expense assistance
• Community organizations: Local mutual aid groups may offer help
• Life insurance: Check whether the deceased held any life insurance policies

Tips to Manage Costs Without Compromising Dignity

Saving Money While Maintaining Respect

• Compare quotes: Request detailed quotes from 2-3 funeral directors and compare prices and services
• Choose the right scale: Select hall size and ceremony scale based on actual needs
• Use government services: Government crematoria and columbarium niches are far cheaper than private options
• Consider green burial: Garden of Remembrance scattering and sea scattering are both free
• Simplify the death notice: Use electronic channels to notify friends and family, saving newspaper notice costs

Watch Out for Hidden Fees

Be aware of common issues when choosing a funeral director:

• Vague quotations: Some directors quote low initially but add significant extras afterwards
• Pressure tactics: Upselling unnecessary premium services by citing "tradition" or "necessity"
• Bundling: Tying low-cost items with expensive ones, making it difficult to purchase separately
• Verbal promises: All fees and services should be confirmed in writing

Why Comparing Quotes from Multiple Funeral Directors Matters

Price transparency in the Hong Kong funeral industry is limited, and the same service can cost several times more at one funeral director than another. We recommend:

• Request detailed written quotes from at least 2-3 funeral directors
• Confirm whether the quote includes all basic services
• Ask clearly about optional items and their charges
• Avoid making rushed decisions while emotionally distressed
• If needed, ask a trusted family member or friend to help with comparisons

Funeral expenses are one of the most significant costs families face after the loss of a loved one. Understanding the breakdown of costs in advance helps families make rational financial decisions during a time of grief — ensuring a dignified farewell that does not create unnecessary financial pressure.