About 60% of Australians have not thought about their funeral costs, or they expect families to foot the bill, according to comparator Finder.

It says the findings underscore the need for people to take funeral planning more seriously, because the final bill can easily exceed $10,000.

The national average for funeral costs, for both cremation and burial, is $7025.

“It’s concerning that the vast majority of Aussies – older generations included – aren’t considering the cost they may be leaving behind to family members when they pass away,” Finder Money Expert Bessie Hassan said.

“Australians worried about the price of their service should consider a funeral prepayment plan or a capped funeral insurance policy.”

According to Finder, Perth is the most expensive city in the country to hold a funeral, averaging $7764.

Sydney and Melbourne are second and third at $7621 and $7586 respectively. Brisbane is fourth ($7259), followed by Adelaide ($6657), Hobart ($6508) and Canberra ($6131).