Burial space in the Netherlands has become more expensive again, according to new figures from funeral insurance company Monuta.

In the Netherlands graves are usually ‘rented’ for a period of 20 years from the local authority. After that, unless the period is extended for a fee, the bodies are reburied in a communal grave.

The costs for grave rights both in public cemeteries can differ greatly depending on the local councils, which set the rate. Monuta looked at the cost of a 20-year lease at some 1,700 cemeteries in the first three months of this year.

An average 20-year lease is currently €3,036 compared to €2,949 last year, a rise of 3%. The figures show Ede council has upped costs by a whopping 39% to €2,270. In absolute terms Westland was the biggest climber. Relatives there will have to fork out €1,271 more for a 20 year lease.

Groningen has long topped the list of most expensive burial space and this year is no exception. A burial site at the Esserveld cemetery costs €8,422. Losser in Overijssel is the cheapest at €765.

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