Rarity, scarcity, grading and time commitment contribute to Wagyu beefs cost. When talking about what most people think is the world’s best steak, you really do get what you pay for. You can get the best deals on steak by shopping at places like Imperia Caviar, but the quality of the rich, buttery meat is directly related to how much you pay for it.
Learn more about this product so you can appreciate everything that goes into that decadent first bite.
Wagyu beef is renowned worldwide for its exceptional marbling, tenderness and rich, buttery flavor But this premium quality comes at a price – wagyu is one of the most expensive types of beef available On average, wagyu beef can cost between $100 to $300 per pound. However, prices vary based on the cut and grade.
In this article, we’ll break down the factors that affect wagyu’s price per pound and help you understand the cost of this luxurious beef
What is Wagyu Beef?
Wagyu refers to a breed of cattle native to Japan The word “wagyu” literally means “Japanese cow” Wagyu cattle are renowned for their heavy marbling – the fine white webbing of fat within the meat. This marbling is key to wagyu’s characteristic richness and mouthfeel.
The most prized wagyu comes from Kobe, Japan. “Kobe beef” specifically refers to wagyu raised to strict standards in the Hyogo prefecture. Kobe beef is considered the epitome of wagyu quality.
Average Cost per Pound of Wagyu Beef
According to my research, American wagyu costs upwards of $15 to $40 per pound, while Japanese wagyu costs $120 to $300 per pound.
More specifically, here are the average prices per pound:
- Domestic American wagyu: $15 to $40
- Australian wagyu: $30 to $65
- Japanese wagyu (not Kobe): $100 to $140
- Authentic Kobe beef from Japan: $200 to $300+
So you can expect to pay at least $100 per pound for imported Japanese wagyu, going up to $300+ for the most elite Kobe beef. Domestic American wagyu is cheaper at around $15 to $40 per pound on average.
Factors Affecting Wagyu’s Price per Pound
Several factors account for wagyu’s steep price tag:
Breeding and Genetics – Wagyu cattle have unique genetics that increase intramuscular fat. Their breeding is highly controlled.
Feed and Husbandry – Wagyu cattle are raised on special diets to ensure optimal marbling, which increases farming costs.
Meat Grading – Only the highest grades of wagyu, such as Japanese A5, command premium pricing. Lower grades are cheaper.
Location and Authenticity – Japanese wagyu and Kobe beef is more expensive to export overseas. Kobe must come from Hyogo.
Cut of Meat – Premium steaks like ribeye cost more per pound than ground wagyu or brisket.
Retailer Markups – High-end restaurants or luxury brands mark up wagyu further.
Rarity – Only about 3,000 head of true Kobe cattle remain, making it exceptionally rare.
Essentially, you’re paying for wagyu beef’s genetics, strict production methods, limited supply, and top grades.
Wagyu Beef Prices by Cut
The cut of wagyu has a major impact on the price per pound. The rarest steaks command the steepest prices. Some typical wagyu costs by cut:
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Wagyu Ground Beef: $12-$15 per pound
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Wagyu Skirt Steak: $25-$35 per pound
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Wagyu Flank Steak: $30-$45 per pound
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Wagyu Flat Iron: $40-$60 per pound
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Wagyu Ribeye: $60-$120+ per pound
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Wagyu Tenderloin: $70-$150+ per pound
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Full Wagyu Tenderloin: $400-$700+ each
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Wagyu New York Strip: $80-$150 per pound
The tenderloin, ribeye and strip steaks tend to be the most expensive wagyu cuts per pound. Ground wagyu and skirt steak offer more budget-friendly alternatives.
Does Grade Affect Wagyu Price?
Yes, the beef grade significantly impacts wagyu cost. The top grades certified by agencies like the USDA or Japan’s BMS command the highest prices.
For example, Japanese A5 wagyu (the highest possible grade) costs $200 to $300+ per pound. Meanwhile, an A3 grade wagyu costs around $100 per pound.
Higher grades denote more marbling, which is prized. Prime grade wagyu generally costs at least $10 to $15 more per pound compared to Choice.
Is Wagyu Worth the Price?
Given wagyu’s sky-high price tag, is it worth buying? Here are some pros and cons:
Pros
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Incomparable eating experience with intense marbling and flavor
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Melts in your mouth tender
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One-of-a-kind gift for a special occasion
Cons
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Very expensive, especially for everyday cooking
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Difficult to source authentic wagyu
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Requires specific cooking methods
For most home cooks, wagyu may best be saved for an extra special meal now and then. Trying a few ounces of this luxury beef allows you to experience its uniqueness without breaking the bank.
More Affordable Wagyu Options
If your budget can’t accommodate hundreds per pound, here are some tips for enjoying wagyu without overspending:
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Choose cheaper cuts like ground, skirt steak or flank
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Opt for lower grades like A3 instead of A5
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Buy Australian wagyu instead of Japanese
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Look for sales and bulk deals on wagyu
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Cook wagyu sparingly as a complimentary flavor
With the right strategies, you may be able to taste superb wagyu marbling at a more affordable price point.
Is Wagyu Worth It? A Luxury Beef Experience
While certainly a splurge, wagyu beef offers a genuinely unparalleled eating experience thanks to its supreme tenderness, rich flavor and velvety texture. For the adventurous foodie or special occasion, wagyu is likely worth the price of admission. With knowledge of costs per pound and budget tips, you can make this luxury beef accessible.
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How Much Does Wagyu Cost?
How expensive is Wagyu beef? Certified, Grade A Wagyu beef can cost as much as $200 per pound, and just one cow raised for Wagyu beef can sell for as much as $30,000 at auction. Several factors can drive these costs:
- Rare: For a cut to be certified Wagyu beef, it must come from one of four types of Japanese cows: the Kuroge Washu (Black), the Akage Washu (Brown), the Nihon Tankaku Washu (Shorthorn), or the Mukaku Washu (Polled). To get certified, each cow has to be genetically tested and have a certain value for DNA.
- Scarcity: Also, all Waygu cows have to live in Japan for them to be real, and there isn’t a lot of land to raise them. One of the most sought-after types of Wagyu, Kobe beef, can only be grown and slaughtered in the city of Kobe in order to get that name. The land can only support a certain number of cows, and production is limited. As demand rises, it gets harder and harder for many suppliers to get pure Wagyu.
- Grading: Each piece of meat is given a score based on how it looks, how much fat it has, and other factors. From A1 to A5, with A5 being the best, the grades are given. There’s a good chance that the grade will cost more.
- Wagyu cows should have at least 80% fat on their bodies before they can be harvested. This is to make sure that the right marbling forms. For up to two years, the cows need a special feed with fiber and high-energy nutrients. Also, farmers need to keep their farms in good shape to keep stress levels low, since too much cortisol can affect the meat product.
$100 Per Pound Costco Japanese Wagyu Steak Is It Worth It?
FAQ
How much is Wagyu beef per pound?
Why is Wagyu beef so pricey?
Is wagyu steak worth it?
Is wagyu or Kobe beef better?
How much does a pound of wagyu beef cost?
It can go high as $200 per pound, while you can get the rarest steak, which is the olive wagyu, between $120 and $300 per pound. An American Wagyu beef will cost at around $10-$15 per pound, depending on where you buy it from. The price per pound of Wagyu beef is shocking. Luckily, there are ways to save some money on this.
How much does Japanese Wagyu cost?
The highest quality Japanese A5 Wagyu can cost from $200 to $300 per pound, while the Japanese A4 Wagyu costs between $100 and $200. For those looking for a cheaper option, the Japanese A3 Wagyu can be purchased for under $100. Japanese wagyu beef is known for its high quality and unique taste.
How much is Wagyu beef at Costco?
The price of Wagyu beef at Costco can vary, but it typically ranges from $99 to $120 per pound for A5 grade Wagyu beef. However, prices can vary depending on availability and location. Is Kobe beef and Wagyu beef the same?
Why is American Wagyu so expensive?
It’s important to note that, even if you find cheaper cuts or deals, Wagyu beef will still be more expensive than other types of beef due to the high cost of raising the cattle and the limited supply of the meat. Why is American Wagyu Cheap? American Wagyu lacks the umami feature that is common among Japanese Wagyu.