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.
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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.
As Thanksgiving approaches, many of us are starting to think about buying a fresh turkey for the big feast But with prices fluctuating year to year, you may be wondering – how much does a fresh turkey cost per pound?
I did some research on fresh turkey prices at major grocery stores to find out. Here’s a helpful guide on what to expect to pay this year.
Average Price Per Pound
The average price for fresh turkey this year ranges from $1.19 to $1.99 per pound. However, prices can vary depending on a few factors
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Organic vs. non-organic – Organic turkeys can cost $1 more per pound on average.
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Whole turkey vs, parts – Buying a whole turkey is more economical than buying just breasts or other parts Figure about $1 more per pound for parts
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Store brand vs. name brand – Opting for a store brand turkey can save you around 30 cents per pound.
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Turkey size – Smaller turkeys (8-16 lbs) cost more per pound than larger turkeys (18-24 lbs).
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Where you live – Regional pricing differences can affect costs too.
Price Ranges at Major Stores
To give you an idea, here are the price ranges you can expect to pay at some major grocery chains:
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Whole Foods – $1.49-$2.99 per lb
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Kroger – $0.59-$0.99 per lb
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Publix – $1.29-$1.49 per lb
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Albertsons – $0.99-$1.29 per lb
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Safeway – $0.99-$1.49 per lb
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Stop & Shop – $0.79-$0.99 per lb
Of course, prices are subject to change week to week. I recommend calling your local grocery store to ask about their current prices. Many publish weekly ads listing turkey prices as well.
Save on Cost Per Pound
Here are some tips to get more bang for your buck when buying a fresh turkey:
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Buy a whole turkey rather than just breasts or other parts. The price per pound is significantly less.
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Opt for a store brand over a name brand turkey.
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Shop earlier in the month if possible. Prices tend to rise closer to Thanksgiving.
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Look for turkeys between 16-24 lbs, which are more economical than smaller birds.
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Check weekly ads and clip any turkey coupons available.
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Ask your grocery store butcher for any turkey specials.
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Buy a frozen turkey – prices are lower than fresh. Just be sure to thaw it correctly.
Do Your Research
With some preparation and research ahead of time, you can get a great deal on a fresh turkey this Thanksgiving. Prices will range from about $1.19 to $1.99 per pound on average, depending on the factors above. Always check with your local grocers directly for their most up-to-date pricing. Have a wonderful and budget-friendly Thanksgiving feast!
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.
The Perfect Thanksgiving Turkey
FAQ
What is the average price per pound for a fresh turkey?
Are fresh turkeys more expensive than frozen?
How much is a turkey from butchers?
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Weight in Kilos
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Price per Bird
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Servings
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5 Kilo Bird
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£90.00
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A 5kg whole bird serves 6-8
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6 Kilo Bird
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£100.00
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A 6kg whole bird or a 4kg turkey crown serves 8-10
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7 Kilo Bird
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£108.00
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A 7kg whole bird serves 10-12
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8 Kilo Bird
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£112.00
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An 8kg whole bird or a 5kg turkey crown serves 12-14
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How much is a 20 lb turkey feed?
How much does a turkey cost per pound?
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. At $2.49 per pound, the same turkey would cost $39.84. When estimating turkey prices, look at both per pound and total cost to find the best value.
How much does a frozen turkey cost?
Find a store near you. *Updated for 2023* Get a frozen turkey for $0.29 per pound with your MVP card and an additional $35 purchase. Turkey must be 10 lbs or larger and there is a limit of 2. Make sure to check back regularly for MVP price discounts. See terms and conditions.
How much does a whole turkey cost at Costco?
They’re continuing to offer fresh whole turkeys at $0.99 per pound. This price has been pretty darn stable since I started tracking Costco turkey prices (about 2013). This is a very good price for fresh turkeys, particularly because Costco does not require an additional purchase.
Where can I buy organic whole turkey?
Find Whole Foods Market Organic Whole Turkey 8-10 Pounds at Whole Foods Market. Get nutrition, ingredient, allergen, pricing and weekly sale information!
Are frozen turkeys more expensive than fresh?
Fresh vs. Frozen – Fresh turkeys are more expensive because they have a shorter shelf life. Frozen costs less. Time of Year – Prices are highest around Thanksgiving and Christmas when demand goes up. Where Purchased – Prices can vary between grocery stores, warehouse clubs, local farms, butcher shops.
How much does a turkey cost at Aldi Savers?
The grocery store stocks multiple turkey brands, including Butterball frozen turkeys priced at $1.07 per pound and Honeysuckle White turkeys at $1.79 per pound for Aldi Savers members.