FinanceBuzz looked at the cost of a turkey in every state to see where people can get the best and worst deals for their Thanksgiving dinner.
We get paid by the companies and products we talk about in this story, but the authors’ opinions are their own. Compensation may impact where offers appear. We have not included all available products or offers. Learn more about how we make money and our editorial policies.
Home chefs across America are gearing up for the biggest feast of the year. Side dishes are chosen based on personal taste, but the turkey, which has been a Thanksgiving staple for generations, is always the main course.
The turkey is also usually the most expensive part of a Thanksgiving meal. To help cooks plan their shopping, our team at FinanceBuzz figured out how much they should spend on their bird this year.
To determine the average cost for a turkey in 2024, we collected prices from multiple U. S. we looked at grocery stores across the country to find out how much a turkey will cost in each state this Thanksgiving.
The centerpiece of many holiday meals is a perfectly roasted turkey. When planning your feast, an important question is – how much does a 20 pound turkey cost? Pricing can vary based on factors like seasonal demand, promotions, organic or free-range options, and more.
Understanding the average cost and pricing factors helps you get the best deal on a turkey to feed your family and guests Here is a detailed guide to what to expect to pay for a 20 pound turkey
Average Cost of a 20 Pound Turkey
On average a frozen 20 pound whole turkey from a grocery store runs $40-$50 during peak holiday times like Thanksgiving and Christmas.
At other times of the year, turkey prices are typically $1.99-$2.99 per pound.
Here are some more specifics on average per-pound and total pricing for a 20 lb turkey:
- Non-holiday periods: $1.99-$2.49 per lb, so $35-$45 total
- Thanksgiving season: $2.49-$2.99 per lb, so $45-$55 total
- Christmas season: $2.99-$3.49 per lb, so $50-$60 total
- Organic/specialty turkeys from small farms or premium brands: $3.49-$4.99 per lb, so $60-$100 total
Where to Find the Best Deals
Finding the lowest prices on turkeys requires checking prices across multiple stores:
-
Grocery chains – Look for holiday promotions, coupons, and advertised sales. Watch for per-pound prices at $0.99-$1.49.
-
Warehouse clubs – Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s often have the best regular pricing for members at $0.89-$1.29/lb.
-
Local farms/butchers – May offer specialty breed turkeys at premium pricing, but some run holiday sales too.
-
Online retailers – Omaha Steaks, Schwan’s, and others sell mail order turkeys competitively priced.
Shopping early and comparing retailer pricing helps find the best bargain on a 20 lb turkey.
Frozen vs. Fresh Turkeys
Another pricing factor is whether you buy a frozen or fresh turkey:
-
Frozen turkeys are typically cheaper, often $0.99-$1.49/lb year-round. Buy well in advance and thaw for several days.
-
Fresh turkeys range from $1.49-$1.99/lb on average. More expensive but extremely convenient for last-minute purchases. Cook within 2 days.
Weigh the price difference against the convenience of fresh or frozen when deciding.
Get the Right 20 lb Size
When estimating turkey sizes needed, plan for about 1 pound per person, plus a little extra. A 20 lb turkey can feed:
- 16-20 people comfortably with a little leftover
- 12-15 people generously with lots of leftovers
Adjust up or down depending on your guest count and appetite. Too large a turkey means wasting food and money. Too small leaves guests hungry.
Do the math based on your final number of diners and side dishes to get an appropriately sized 20 lb or other weight turkey.
Ways to Save on a Turkey
From using coupons to buying in bulk, here are some of the best ways to save on turkey costs:
- Check ads and clip coupons from grocery stores, apps, and websites
- Buy discounted gift cards to lower the overall price
- Shop warehouse clubs for the best regular unit pricing
- Purchase two smaller turkeys instead of one large bird if on sale
- Check post-holiday clearance sales for major markdowns
A little strategic shopping goes a long way towards scoring the best deal.
Buy Turkey Parts to Save
Another money-saving idea is to buy just turkey parts versus a whole bird. Prices per pound on parts like breast, thighs, and drumsticks are often lower than a whole turkey:
- Boneless turkey breast: $3.49-$5.99/lb
- Bone-in turkey breast: $1.99-$2.99/lb
- Turkey thighs: $0.89-$1.99/lb
- Drumsticks: $0.79-$0.99/lb
Mixing different discounted parts can add variety while keeping costs down.
Shop Early for the Best Price
The most impressive turkey promotions often launch 1-2 weeks before Thanksgiving. Waiting too long risks missing out on the top deals.
Shopping early also provides time to safely thaw frozen turkeys in the fridge. Make a plan to purchase your main turkey 1-2 weeks pre-holiday.
Choose the Best Turkey for Your Budget
Finding the ideal 20 lb turkey comes down to balancing delicious flavor, reasonable pricing, proper size, and your budget.
With flexible shopping strategies, bargain hunting, and some planning, you can relax and enjoy a fabulous centerpiece turkey without overspending this holiday season. Let your wallet do the gobbling while you save on a great 20 lb bird!
Frequency of Entities:
- turkey: 34
- lb: 33
- per lb: 7
- frozen: 7
- pricing: 6
- coupons: 4
- cost: 4
- deals: 4
- savings: 3
- fresh: 3
- grocery: 2
- parts: 2
States with the most affordable Thanksgiving turkeys
Turkeys are most affordable in Oklahoma, where they cost just $19. 75 on average. That’s nearly $11. 50 cheaper than the national average. Another state where the average turkey price is less than $20 is Louisiana, where a 15-pound turkey costs $19 on average. 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 |
Turkeys cost $22 in Mississippi and Texas, which are the third and fourth cheapest places in the country to buy one. 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 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. That’s 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. It is always one of the most expensive places to live in Alaska and Hawaii because it costs a lot to ship goods to those states from other 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. A 15-pound turkey costs $36 in three states, which is tied for the fourth-highest price in the country. 85 on average in Connecticut, Montana, and New Jersey.
How long do you cook a turkey per pound in the oven?
FAQ
How much is a 20lb turkey?
How many will a 20-pound turkey serve?
What is the average cost per pound of turkey?
Will a 20-pound turkey fit in my oven?