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 start planning our holiday meals. The centerpiece is usually a juicy roasted turkey. But when you go to buy your fresh turkey, you may be wondering – how much does a fresh turkey cost per pound? The price can vary quite a bit depending on the type size, and quality of the turkey. In this article, we’ll break down the average cost per pound of fresh turkey so you can budget for your Thanksgiving feast.
Average Price Per Pound of Fresh Turkey
The average price for fresh turkey ranges from $129 to $2.99 per pound. However, prices fluctuate throughout the year and can be higher around Thanksgiving when demand is very high. Here are some general guidelines on turkey prices
- Non-organic, standard fresh turkey: $1.29 – $1.99 per lb
- Organic fresh turkey: $1.99 – $2.99 per lb
- Heritage breed turkey: $4.99 – $6.99 per lb
- Free-range turkey: $2.49 – $3.99 per lb
- Kosher turkey: $2.99 – $4.99 per lb
The most budget-friendly options are non-organic turkeys from standard supermarket brands. These average $1.29 to $1.99 per pound. The next level up are organic and free-range turkeys, which range from $1.99 to $3.99 per pound due to the higher production costs of these specialty birds. The most expensive options are heritage breed and kosher turkeys, costing $4.99 to $6.99+ per pound.
Factors That Affect Fresh Turkey Prices
Several factors impact the retail price of fresh turkey:
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Supply and demand – Prices are highest around Thanksgiving when demand spikes Limited supply compared to high demand leads to higher prices
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Feed costs – Feeding turkeys organic or premium non-GMO feed is more expensive, raising costs.
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Processing – Handling smaller flocks of specialty turkeys costs more than mass produced birds.
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Overhead expenses – Organic, free-range, and heritage flocks require more land, labor, healthcare, and time to raise.
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Weight – Turkeys over 16 lbs cost more per pound than smaller birds.
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Convenience packaging – Value-added turkeys that are pre-brined or cook-in-bag cost more than basic fresh birds.
So if you want a smaller, organic turkey for your Thanksgiving dinner, expect to pay at the higher end of the price range. For budget-friendly options, go for a larger, non-organic bird.
Estimated Cost of Whole Turkey
To estimate how much you’ll spend overall on a whole fresh turkey, take the weight in pounds and multiply it by the estimated price per pound.
For example, for a 16 lb non-organic turkey at $1.49 per lb, the estimated total cost would be:
16 lbs x $1.49 per lb = $23.84
Here are the estimated costs for whole turkeys at different weights and price points:
- 10 lb turkey x $1.29/lb = $12.90
- 12 lb turkey x $1.49/lb = $17.88
- 16 lb turkey x $1.99/lb = $31.84
- 20 lb turkey x $2.49/lb = $49.80
As you go up in weight and specialty breeds, the overall cost increases significantly. Keep these ranges in mind as you budget and shop for your perfect Thanksgiving turkey!
Ways to Save on Fresh Turkey
Looking to trim costs on your holiday bird? Here are some tips:
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Buy ahead of time – Prices are lowest in October vs. November.
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Shop sales and deals – Check ads for promotions and discount clubs like Costco.
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Buy in bulk – Bigger birds are cheaper per pound, yielding leftovers.
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Get a frozen turkey – They cost less than fresh. Thaw in the fridge 3-4 days before cooking.
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Buy turkey parts – Breasts or quarters cost less than a whole bird.
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Skip the extras – Opt for a basic turkey, not pre-brined or cook-in-bag.
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Price match – Ask the store to match a competitor’s advertised lower turkey price.
Following some of these strategies can help you save $5 to $15+ on your Thanksgiving turkey purchase.
The Bottom Line
When shopping for a fresh turkey, expect to spend an average of $1.29 to $2.99 per pound. Kosher and heritage birds run closer to $5-7 per pound. Factors like supply/demand, feed, overhead, weight, and packaging impact the retail pricing. For budget-friendly options, go for a larger, non-organic turkey. To estimate the overall cost, multiply the weight by the price per pound. Using tips like buying early, on sale, or in bulk can help trim costs. With a little planning, you can serve up a beautiful, delicious turkey without breaking the bank!
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.