Planning a funeral in Manchester can feel overwhelming, especially when you're unsure what different funeral directors charge. The CMA Funerals Market Investigation Order 2021 requires every UK funeral director to publish a Standardised Price List — and we've analysed the data for Manchester.
Funeral Costs in Manchester — Overview
According to FuneralCompare's live pricing data, funeral directors serving Manchester offer a range of options at very different price points:
| Funeral Director | Attended Funeral | Unattended Cremation | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Farewell Direct | £1,595 | £1,195 | Independent |
| Kenworthy & Taylor | £2,550 | £1,925 | Independent |
| Co-op Funeralcare | £4,128 | £3,120 | National chain |
The average cost of an attended funeral in Manchester is £2,758, while the cheapest option — Farewell Direct at £1,595 — represents a 62% saving over the most expensive.
What's Included in the CMA Attended Funeral?
Every CMA Standardised Price List includes six mandatory items. Here's how Manchester's providers break down:
Farewell Direct (Cheapest — £1,595):
- Care of the deceased: £235
- Collection and transport: £195
- Hearse: £245
- Legal and admin: £595
- Coffin: £325
- Viewing: £0 (included free)
Kenworthy & Taylor (£2,550):
- Care of the deceased: £395
- Collection and transport: £345
- Hearse: £250
- Legal and admin: £895
- Coffin: £575
- Viewing: £90
Co-op Funeralcare (Most expensive — £4,128):
- Pricing varies by branch, but Co-op's national pricing typically includes higher legal and administrative fees along with premium coffin options.
Direct Cremation in Manchester
For those seeking a simpler, more affordable option, unattended cremation (direct cremation) in Manchester starts at £1,195 with Farewell Direct — significantly below the national average of £2,263.
Why Such a Big Price Difference?
Manchester's funeral market illustrates a common pattern across UK cities:
- National chains like Co-op Funeralcare have higher overheads, brand premiums, and standardised pricing across 800+ branches
- Independent directors like Farewell Direct and Kenworthy & Taylor operate with lower overheads and can offer more competitive pricing
- Location matters — Manchester city centre branches tend to be more expensive than those in surrounding areas
How to Choose a Funeral Director in Manchester
1. Decide on the type of funeral — attended service or direct cremation
2. Compare itemised prices — use our comparison tool to see exactly what each item costs
3. Read reviews — see what other families have experienced
4. Contact multiple providers — get a feel for their service before committing
Use our [Funeral Cost Calculator](/calculator) to estimate your costs, then [compare funeral directors in Manchester](/funeral-directors/manchester) side-by-side.