Beef is one of the most popular meats, known for its flavor and versatility. But with prices fluctuating frequently, how much does beef really cost per pound today? Here is a detailed look at current beef prices and the factors impacting costs.
Average Retail Prices for Beef Cuts
Beef prices can vary enormously depending on the specific cut and quality grade Here are current average prices per pound for popular beef cuts at retail
- Ground Beef (80/20) – $4.90
- Ground Chuck – $5.50
- Ground Sirloin – $6.80
- Bottom Round Roast – $5.60
- Top Round Steak – $6.90
- Eye of Round Roast – $6.40
- Sirloin Steak – $8.80
- Flank Steak – $9.70
- Skirt Steak- $12.50
- Tenderloin/Filet Mignon – $19.60
- T-Bone Steak – $12.30
- Porterhouse Steak – $13.90
- Ribeye Steak – $13.70
- Brisket – $3.70
- Short Ribs – $6.90
Keep in mind retail beef prices also depend on whether the beef is conventional or organic/grass-fed. Organic cuts typically cost $2-5 more per pound
Wholesale Beef Prices
Restaurants, retailers and butchers pay wholesale prices for beef, which are generally 40-60% less per pound compared to retail prices consumers pay.
Current wholesale prices per pound for popular primal cuts are
- Ground Beef – $3.00-$4.00
- Chuck Roast – $4.00-$5.00
- Rib Roast – $7.00-$9.00
- Loin Roast – $6.50-$8.00
- Round Roast – $5.50-$7.00
- Brisket – $2.00-$3.00
- Plate Short Ribs – $5.50-$6.50
Factors Impacting Beef Prices
Several key factors determine the retail and wholesale prices of different beef cuts:
Breed
- Angus is the most common and commands higher prices for quality. Other breeds like Hereford and Simmental are cheaper.
Grade
- Higher USDA grades (Prime, Choice) have more marbling and fat and are pricier. Lower grades (Select) are leaner and cheaper.
Cut
- Premium cuts like ribeye, tenderloin and strip are pricier. Chuck, brisket and short ribs are cheaper.
Weight
- Smaller cuts under 1 lb cost more per pound compared to larger 5+ lb packages.
Organic/Grass-fed
- Organic and grass-fed beef costs $2-5 more per pound due to smaller supply and higher feed costs.
Location
- Beef prices are slightly higher on the East and West coasts compared to the Midwest.
Season
- Prices tend to dip in fall and peak in spring due to supply fluctuations.
Butcher vs Supermarket
- Butchers tend to charge $1-3 more per pound than supermarkets.
Inflation
- As production costs rise, beef prices also gradually increase over time.
Ground Beef Prices Per Pound
Ground beef is the most affordable beef option for many households. Here’s a breakdown of average per pound prices for different fat contents:
- Ground Chuck (80/20) – $4.50-$5.00
- Ground Beef (85/15) – $4.90-$5.50
- Ground Sirloin (90/10) – $5.50-$6.50
- Organic Ground Beef – $6.00-$7.50
For bulk 5+ lb packs, prices drop slightly to $4.50-$4.90 per pound. At membership clubs like Costco, large 10 lb chubs can cost as low as $3.50 per pound.
To save costs, consider buying larger packs and freezing portions for later use. Chuck blends offer good value and flavor balance.
Price Trends For Beef Over Time
Over the past decade, retail beef prices have gradually trended upwards each year due to a mix of factors:
- 2012 – Steaks averaged $5.90/lb and ground beef $3.60/lb
- 2015 – Steaks averaged $6.20/lb and ground beef $4.10/lb
- 2018 – Steaks averaged $6.90/lb and ground beef $4.70/lb
- 2021 – Steaks averaged $8.50/lb and ground beef $4.90/lb
During the COVID-19 pandemic, beef prices spiked due to supply chain disruptions and high demand. Prices have moderated but remain elevated compared to 5 years ago. Going forward, prices are forecasted to keep slowly rising with inflation.
Ways To Save On Beef
To get the best value on quality beef, consider these money-saving tips:
- Choose cheaper primal cuts like chuck, brisket, or flank
- Buy bulk ground beef packs over 1 lb
- Purchase large roasts and slice into steaks
- Buy individually quick frozen (IQF) steaks on sale
- Check for manager’s special markdowns
- Buy in bulk at warehouse clubs if you have the storage space
- Time purchases for peak fall/winter supply
- Comparison shop across halal/ethnic stores which can offer good prices
Is Beef Worth The Cost?
Despite higher prices, beef remains one of the most popular proteins. For fans of beef’s hearty flavor and satiating qualities, the nutritional benefits make it worth the occasional splurge on higher priced premium cuts. Those looking for budget options can still enjoy cheaper beef roasts and ground beef at just $3-$5 per pound. Monitoring sales and buying in bulk can further help offset rising costs.
Beef costs per pound vary enormously based on the specific cut, quality grade, and retailer. While premium steaks and tenderloin may run as high as $19 per pound at restaurants and butchers, economical options like ground chuck, roasts and brisket can cost as little as $3-$6 per pound. Understanding the current market prices and shopping strategically allows beef lovers to continue enjoying this versatile meat within any budget.
How Much Meat Do You Get From A 1/4 Cow
FAQ
How much should a pound of beef cost?
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Item and unit
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U.S. city average
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|
|
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Prices
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|
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Ground chuck, 100% beef, per lb. (453.6 gm)
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4.753
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5.421
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Ground beef, 100% beef, per lb. (453.6 gm)
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4.813
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5.132
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Ground beef, lean and extra lean, per lb. (453.6 gm)
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6.354
|
6.734
|
What is a good price for half a beef?
How much beef from 1,000 lb cow?
How much meat do you get from a 700 pound cow?
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Hanging Weight (lbs)
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Packaged Weight (lbs)
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600
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360
|
|
650
|
390
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700
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420
|
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750
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450
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How much does a pound of beef cost?
The retail price range for US beef is between US$ 10.06 and US$ 22.69 per kilogram or between US$ 4.56 and US$ 10.29 per pound (lb). Click here to see today’s exact prices of beef in US The retail price range in Euro for beef is between EUR 9.23 and EUR 20.82 per kilogram or between EUR 4.19 and EUR 9.44 per pound (lb) in Washington and New York.
How much did beef cost in March?
Retail Beef Prices In March, retail beef prices experienced an overall increase, with the Retail Beef Price Composite (RBPC) reaching $7.39, up by 6 cents from the prior month. Among cuts, round roast saw the highest increase at 26 cents, while round steak and beef for stew both increased by 15 cents.
How much does a pound of steak cost?
Rib steak, for example, can cost as low as 8 dollars a pound while tenderloin steak can cost upward of 27 dollars a pound, year-in-year-out. See updated April 2024 prices for US Beef per kilogram (Kg) and per pound (lb).
How much do finished cuts of beef cost?
Expect to pay an average price of $8.01 for finished cuts of beef. The beef you eat is actually processed and packaged as “finished cuts.” You can use this number to compare prices to items you might purchase at a grocery store.