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Funeral parlours in Cape Town: how to choose and what it costs
By Lindiwe Khumalo · 5 min read · Updated 24 June 2026
Funeral parlours in Cape Town range across large national groups such as AVBOB, Doves and Martin's and many local undertakers from the city bowl to the Cape Flats, with a basic burial or cremation costing indicatively from about R6,000 to R13,000 and a full service R16,000 to R30,000 or more - repatriation to the Eastern Cape adds significant cost. This guide helps you choose well and understand likely costs - without naming specific businesses we cannot verify.
The right parlour depends on your budget, your faith or cultural needs, and where the burial or cremation will take place.
How to choose a parlour in Cape Town
- Get written, itemised quotes from two or three parlours.
- Confirm they can meet your faith and cultural requirements.
- Check they can collect and bury where you need, including repatriation to the Eastern Cape or elsewhere.
- Confirm any funeral cover is underwritten by a licensed insurer.
- Ask family and community for parlours they have actually used.
Indicative costs in Cape Town
Indicative ranges only - always get a written quote.
| Service level | Indicative cost |
|---|---|
| Basic burial or cremation | from around R6,000 to R13,000 |
| Mid-range full service | around R16,000 to R30,000 |
| Larger service with extras | R30,000 and up |
Repatriation to another province adds significant transport cost, so price it separately if the burial is not in Cape Town.
Repatriation to other provinces
Many Cape Town families need to send the deceased to the Eastern Cape or elsewhere for burial. Ask the parlour upfront whether they handle repatriation, what it costs, and how long it takes. A national group or a parlour experienced in long-distance transport can make this far smoother.
Well-known funeral brands operating in the area
Cape Town is served by branches of national brands such as AVBOB, Doves and Martin's Funerals, alongside many local parlours from the city bowl to the Cape Flats, several of which are experienced in repatriation to the Eastern Cape.
Use these only as starting points. Do not assume a brand has a branch exactly where you need it, or that its price suits you. Search the brand's official website or call its national line to confirm the nearest branch, what each package includes, the waiting period and the current price. We do not publish branch addresses or phone numbers because they change by area and we cannot verify them. Compare at least two or three options, including a trusted local parlour, before you commit.
Consumer rights and low-cost options
You are entitled to a clear, itemised quote and may refuse extras. Funeral cover must be underwritten, and the National Financial Ombud handles funeral-cover complaints.
If money is tight, ask about a basic burial or cremation and contact the City of Cape Town about indigent (pauper) burial assistance for residents who qualify. Burial societies and stokvels are widely used to share costs.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a funeral cost in Cape Town?
Indicatively, a basic burial or cremation can start from around R6,000 to R13,000, a mid-range service from R16,000 to R30,000, and larger services R30,000 and up. Always get a written quote.
Can a Cape Town parlour send the deceased to the Eastern Cape?
Many handle repatriation to other provinces. Ask upfront what it costs and how long it takes, as long-distance transport adds significant cost.
How do I choose a funeral parlour in Cape Town?
Get written quotes from two or three, confirm faith and cultural needs, check they can bury or repatriate where you need, and confirm any cover is underwritten.
Can the City of Cape Town help with a funeral?
Contact the City of Cape Town about indigent (pauper) burial assistance for residents who qualify. Ask the parlour about a basic burial or cremation too.
Who handles funeral policy complaints in Cape Town?
The National Financial Ombud handles funeral-cover and claim disputes in South Africa. Keep your policy and quotes to support a complaint.
Which national funeral brands operate in Cape Town?
National brands such as AVBOB, Doves and Martin's Funerals operate in Cape Town, alongside many local parlours, several experienced in repatriation to the Eastern Cape. Confirm the nearest branch and price on the brand's official site or by phone.
