How Much Does a 16 lb Turkey Cost? Pricing and Savings Tips

FinanceBuzz looked up turkey prices in every state to find out where home cooks can expect to pay the most and least for their Thanksgiving dinner.

Home chefs across America are gearing up for the biggest feast of the year. While individual tastes dictate what side dishes are at the table, at the center of most Thanksgiving meals is an entrée thats a time-honored tradition: the turkey.

Turkey also tends to be the most expensive part of a Thanksgiving feast, so our team at FinanceBuzz wanted to help give cooks a leg-up on their shopping by calculating how much they should expect to budget for their bird this year.

To determine the average cost for a turkey in 2024, we collected prices from multiple U.S. grocery stores across the country and determined how much shoppers in each state can expect to pay for a Thanksgiving turkey this year.

As the holidays approach many families start planning their festive meals anchored around a juicy roasted turkey. But with inflation driving grocery prices up, is that 16 lb bird going to break the bank this year?

In this comprehensive guide we’ll analyze current prices for 16 lb turkeys at major supermarkets and online retailers. You’ll learn what’s impacting costs this season and ways to save money without skimping on quality.

What Impacts the Price of Turkeys

Several key factors influence the retail pricing for whole turkeys each holiday season:

  • Supply and Demand – As demand spikes before Thanksgiving and Christmas, tighter supplies lead to higher prices.

  • Feed Costs – Drought conditions and supply chain disruptions have increased the costs of corn and soybean feed for poultry

  • Processing Costs – Labor shortages and transportation expenses from the processor to market have risen.

  • Turkey Size – Smaller 10-12 lb or larger 20+ lb birds often have better pricing per pound.

  • Fresh vs. Frozen – Fresh turkeys command a premium over frozen ones.

So expect to pay more this year, but there are still deals if you shop wisely.

Average Price for a 16 lb Turkey

The average price for a frozen 16 lb turkey ranges from $16-$32. At the low end that’s $1 per pound, up to $2 per pound on the higher end.

Here are current 16 lb frozen turkey price ranges at popular grocery chains:

  • Walmart: $19.96 ($1.25/lb)
  • Aldi: $18.99 ($1.19/lb)
  • Kroger: $23.99 ($1.50/lb)
  • Safeway: $25.99 ($1.62/lb)
  • Publix: $29.99 ($1.87/lb)

For a premium fresh turkey, expect to pay $24-$40 overall, or $1.50-$2.50 per pound.

So budget anywhere from $20-$35 for a good quality 16 lb turkey this year. Prices will vary locally.

Estimated Price at Top Turkey Brands

Here’s what some leading national turkey brands charge for a frozen 16 lb whole turkey:

  • Butterball: $27.99 ($1.75/lb)
  • Jennie-O: $25.99 ($1.62/lb)
  • Shady Brook Farms: $22.99 ($1.44/lb)
  • Honeysuckle White: $24.99 ($1.56/lb)
  • Plainville Farms: $29.99 ($1.87/lb)

Of course your local supermarket prices may differ. Check circulars and store apps for the best deals.

How to Save Money on Your Turkey

Here are some tips to get the lowest price on your holiday bird:

  • Shop early – Prices increase closer to the holidays as demand rises.

  • Check ads and apps – Look for turkey sales, promotions and digital coupons.

  • Buy a store brand – Generic turkeys often cost less than premium brands.

  • Consider size – Smaller or larger turkeys may offer better per-pound cost.

  • Buy frozen – It saves $5-$15 over a fresh turkey.

  • Use loyalty rewards – Redeem points and earn fuel perks to lower your total bill.

  • Watch for markdowns – Check for discounted turkeys stores are trying to sell.

Estimated Total Cost at Top Chains

Here are estimated price ranges for a 16 lb frozen turkey at popular supermarkets:

Store Turkey Price
Walmart $16-$24
Kroger $19-$29
Aldi $16-$22
Publix $24-$32
Safeway $19-$29

Your total cost will depend on current prices, sales, and promotions at your local retailer. But this table gives you an idea of what to budget for your holiday turkey.

Be Prepared for Higher Prices

Due to various inflationary pressures and supply chain challenges, expect to pay 15-20% more for a 16 lb turkey this year. But with flexible options, savvy shopping, and early planning, you can still serve a showstopping turkey without overspending. Have a wonderful holiday season with friends and family!

Turkey – 38
Price – 25
Pound – 24
Lb – 23
Frozen – 17
Cost – 15
Pay – 10
Table – 7
Tips – 7
Brand – 5
Bulk – 5
Shop – 5
Average – 4
Budget – 4
Demand – 4
Estimated – 4
Factor – 4
Impact – 4
Local – 4
Premium – 4
Retailer – 4
Rise – 4
Save – 4
Season – 4
Shopper – 4
Smaller – 4

how much is a 16 lb turkey

States with the most affordable Thanksgiving turkeys

Turkeys are most affordable in Oklahoma, where they cost just $19.75 on average. Thats nearly $11.50 cheaper than the national average. One other state also has an average turkey price thats under $20, as Louisianans can get a 15-pound turkey for an average cost of $19.80.

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

The third and fourth-lowest turkey prices in the country can be found in Mississippi and Texas, where they cost $22.30 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. Thats 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. Alaska and Hawaii consistently rank among the most expensive states to live in due to the high costs of transporting goods to the non-contiguous 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. Three states are tied with the fourth-highest turkey price in the country, as a 15-pound bird will cost shoppers $36.85 on average in Connecticut, Montana, and New Jersey.

What Size Turkey To Buy – Ace Hardware

FAQ

How many people will a 16 lb turkey feed?

Links
  • A general rule of thumb is to plan for 1 1/4–1 1/2 lbs of turkey per person. 

  • You can account for bones and parts that won’t be eaten by adding a few pounds to the total. 

  • Turkeys shrink as they cook, so it’s best to plan for this. 

  • If you’re cooking for more than 16 people, you might want to consider cooking multiple smaller birds. 

What is the average price of a turkey?

On average, Americans can expect to pay $31.16 for a 15-pound turkey this year — an average of $2.08 per pound. Across the country, turkey prices in 2024 are down 12% from last year.

How many hours does it take to cook a 16 lb turkey?

For a 15-to-16-pound turkey: 425°F for 3 to 3¼ hours. 400°F for 3¼ to 3½ hours.

What was the average cost of a 16-pound turkey for Thanksgiving in 2024?

See How Prices Have Changed Since Last Year
Item 2023 Price 2024 Price
16-pound turkey $27.35 $25.67
Pumpkin pie mix $4.44 $4.15
Milk $3.74 $3.21
Veggie tray $0.90 $0.84

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