FinanceBuzz looked up turkey prices in every state to find out where home cooks can expect to pay the most and least for their Thanksgiving dinner.
Home chefs across America are gearing up for the biggest feast of the year. While individual tastes dictate what side dishes are at the table, at the center of most Thanksgiving meals is an entrée thats a time-honored tradition: the turkey.
Turkey also tends to be the most expensive part of a Thanksgiving feast, so our team at FinanceBuzz wanted to help give cooks a leg-up on their shopping by calculating how much they should expect to budget for their bird this year.
To determine the average cost for a turkey in 2024, we collected prices from multiple U.S. grocery stores across the country and determined how much shoppers in each state can expect to pay for a Thanksgiving turkey this year.
Come Thanksgiving and Christmas, turkey takes center stage as the quintessential protein for festive holiday meals. But if you’re planning on picking up a 16 lb bird to feed your family this season, a common question is – how much should you expect to pay?
Turkey prices can vary widely depending on where you buy it, whether it’s fresh or frozen, and any promotions or sales. This article will break down the average 16 lb turkey cost so you can budget and shop smarter.
Factors That Determine 16 lb Turkey Prices
Several key factors impact how much a 16 lb whole turkey costs
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Weight – Turkey is usually priced per pound so larger birds cost more. A 16 lb turkey will be more expensive than a 12 lb.
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Fresh vs Frozen – Fresh turkeys tend to cost more per pound due to their shorter shelf life Frozen turkeys are more budget friendly,
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Organic/Free-Range – Specialty turkeys like organic and free-range cost more to raise and have higher retail pricing.
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Time of Year – Prices peak around Thanksgiving and Christmas when demand is highest. Buying well in advance can save money.
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Where Purchased – Grocery stores, warehouse clubs, local farms, and online retailers will vary in turkey pricing.
Average Cost of a 16 lb Whole Turkey
On average, expect to spend around $1.50 to $2.50 per pound on a whole turkey. Here’s what that translates to for a 16 lb bird:
- Frozen: $24 to $40 total
- Fresh: $32 to $48 total
- Organic/Free-Range: $40 to $80 total
According to the American Farm Bureau Federation, the average 16 lb frozen turkey price in 2022 was $23.99 total or $1.50 per pound.
Regional pricing differences and holiday demand may bump up the cost. Budget $30 to $45 for a 16 lb turkey depending on type.
Where to Find the Best Deals on 16 lb Turkeys
To save money on a 16 lb turkey, shop early at warehouse clubs or check grocery store flyers for holiday sales. Here are the best places to buy discounted turkeys:
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Grocery Stores – Look for turkey promotions and coupons leading up to Thanksgiving and Christmas. Buy 1-2 months in advance and freeze.
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Warehouse Clubs – Stock up on frozen turkeys at lower bulk pricing at Costco, Sam’s Club, or BJ’s.
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Local Farms – Support local turkey growers and pay fair prices for fresh birds.
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Discount Grocery Stores – Aldi and Save-A-Lot offer holiday turkeys at very low costs.
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Online Retailers – Use coupons and promos to lower costs, but factor in shipping.
Smart Strategies for Saving on Your 16 lb Turkey
Follow these tips to find the best deal on your holiday centerpiece turkey:
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Buy Early – Shop frozen turkey sales as early as September/October. Avoid last minute premiums.
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Price Match – Use grocery store flyers to price match and find the lowest price.
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Use Coupons – Clip coupons and look for digital deals to save $5 or more.
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Buy Extras When on Sale – Cook and freeze leftover turkey parts to stretch your budget.
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Consider Heritage Breeds – More flavorful than standard turkeys at a comparable cost to organic.
As long as you shop strategically, you can serve up amazing holiday feasts featuring a juicy 16 lb turkey without breaking the bank!
The Bottom Line
When budgeting for your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, plan on spending an average of $1.50 to $2.50 per pound for a frozen 16 lb turkey. Watch for sales, bulk buy when turkey costs are lowest, and use coupons to get the best deal. With smart shopping, you can find a high quality bird for $30 to $45 total or less.
How much are Thanksgiving turkeys this year? Average turkey costs by state
As is the case with many goods, the most expensive average turkey prices in the U.S. were found away from the contiguous United States. Residents of Hawaii can expect to pay the highest rate in the country ($52.85) for a 15-pound turkey. Thats nearly 70% more than the national average of $31.16.
Turkeys cost almost $10 less in Alaska ($44.85), but that still makes the bird more expensive than in any of the remaining 48 states. Hawaiians and Alaskans are no strangers to high prices. Alaska and Hawaii consistently rank among the most expensive states to live in due to the high costs of transporting goods to the non-contiguous states.
Most expensive states for a Thanksgiving turkey
| State | Cost for a 15-pound turkey |
| Hawaii | $52.85 |
| Alaska | $44.85 |
| California | $39.85 |
| Connecticut | $36.85 |
| Montana | $36.85 |
| New Jersey | $36.85 |
| Nebraska | $36.35 |
| New York | $35.85 |
| Minnesota | $35.30 |
| Georgia | $34.85 |
| North Carolina | $34.85 |
On the mainland, California has the most expensive turkey prices on average, as a 15-pound bird costs $39.85 in the Golden State. Three states are tied with the fourth-highest turkey price in the country, as a 15-pound bird will cost shoppers $36.85 on average in Connecticut, Montana, and New Jersey.
States with the most affordable Thanksgiving turkeys
Turkeys are most affordable in Oklahoma, where they cost just $19.75 on average. Thats nearly $11.50 cheaper than the national average. One other state also has an average turkey price thats under $20, as Louisianans can get a 15-pound turkey for an average cost of $19.80.
Least expensive states for a Thanksgiving turkey
| State | Cost for a 15-pound turkey |
| Oklahoma | $19.75 |
| Louisiana | $19.80 |
| Mississippi | $22.30 |
| Texas | $22.60 |
| Illinois | $22.85 |
| Ohio | $22.85 |
| Kentucky | $24.85 |
| Tennessee | $24.85 |
| Michigan | $25.35 |
| Indiana | $25.85 |
| Kansas | $25.85 |
The third and fourth-lowest turkey prices in the country can be found in Mississippi and Texas, where they cost $22.30 and $22.60, respectively. Two states are tied with the fifth-lowest average cost, with a 15-pound bird coming in at $22.85 in both Illinois and Ohio.
How long does it take to cook a 16 lb turkey?
FAQ
How many people will a 16 lb turkey feed?
- A general rule of thumb is to plan for 1–1.5 lbs of turkey per person.
- This includes bones and other parts that won’t be eaten.
- Turkey shrinks while cooking, so you can account for a 20–30% loss.
- If you have big eaters, you can plan for 1.5 lbs per person.
- If you have kids, you can round down on how much turkey to plan for.
- If some of your guests are vegetarian, you can buy a smaller turkey.
What is the average price of a turkey?
Key findings. On average, Americans can expect to pay $31.16 for a 15-pound turkey this year — an average of $2.08 per pound.
How many hours does it take to cook a 16 lb turkey?
For a 15-to-16-pound turkey: 425°F for 3 to 3¼ hours. 400°F for 3¼ to 3½ hours.
What was the average cost of a 16 pound turkey for Thanksgiving in 2024?
| Item | 2023 Price | 2024 Price |
|---|---|---|
| 16-pound turkey | $27.35 | $25.67 |
| Pumpkin pie mix | $4.44 | $4.15 |
| Milk | $3.74 | $3.21 |
| Veggie tray | $0.90 | $0.84 |
How much does a 16 pound turkey cost?
Where Purchased – Prices can vary between grocery stores, warehouse clubs, local farms, butcher shops. Knowing these factors help you estimate turkey costs and find deals. On average, figure around $1.50 to $2.50 per pound for a whole turkey. The total cost rises for heavier birds. At $1.99 per pound, a 16 pound turkey would be $31.84 total.
How to cook a 16 pound turkey?
You can get a 16 pound turkey or 14 pound ham done in this with great results. You can either manually set a cooking temperature between 100 and 350 degrees F or use a preset of warm, reheat or delay, where the last option lets you set it to start cooking at a later time.
Where can I buy a Turkey for a pound?
Costco – Big savings on large bulk frozen turkeys over 20 pounds for under $1 per pound. Whole Foods – Good sales on fresh organic and heritage breed turkeys, often available for under $3 per pound. You can also find deals from local grocery stores by looking out for turkey sales, coupons, and rewards discounts leading up to the holidays.
How much does a 15 lb turkey weigh?
A frozen turkey does not weigh more than fresh. A 15-lb frozen turkey will weigh 15 lbs. when it is thawed. How many people would a 15 lb turkey feed? a 15 lb turkey will feed 6 people. Does a turkey weigh more frozen than thawed? Are you kidding?! Its the same weight! A 10 lb turkey is still a 10lb turkey regardless of what state it’s it!
Should you buy a whole turkey?
Purchasing an entire turkey directly from a local farm is another money saving option. Many small poultry farms sell pasture-raised and heritage-breed whole turkeys for $3-5 per pound. While more expensive per pound, buying a whole bird this way eliminates waste.