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 Thanksgiving approaches, one of the biggest questions on people’s minds is how much their holiday centerpiece will cost. For a 12 lb turkey, prices can vary significantly depending on where you purchase it and what type you buy. In this article, I’ll break down the average cost of a 12 lb turkey from national grocery chains, local farms, online retailers, and more.
Factors Impacting the Price of Turkeys
Before diving into specifics, it helps to understand the factors that influence the price of a turkey. These include:
-
Supply and Demand – Turkey prices fluctuate based on availability and demand. Prices tend to be higher around Thanksgiving when demand spikes.
-
Feed Costs – What turkeys are fed impacts the price. Organic or vegetarian feed is more expensive than standard commercial feed.
-
Free Range vs Caged – It costs more to raise free range turkeys that have outdoor access compared to caged birds
-
Organic – Organic turkeys not given antibiotics or hormones carry a premium price
-
Breed – Heritage breeds cost more than standard commercial turkeys.
-
Weight – Heavier turkeys cost more per pound due to higher feed costs
-
Specialty Options – Expect to pay more for smoked, cajun injected, kosher, etc.
-
Retailer – Prices vary between chains, local butchers, farms, etc.
Now that we’ve covered the key factors, let’s look at typical prices.
National Grocery Chain Prices
For many, supermarkets are the most convenient turkey source. Here are average prices for a 12 lb turkey at major national chains:
- Walmart – $12.00
- Kroger – $14.88
- Target – $11.88
- Aldi – $11.76
- Food Lion – $12.48
- Safeway – $15.84
- Publix – $13.68
- Albertsons – $15.36
As you can see, prices at national chains range from $11.76 at Aldi up to $15.84 at Safeway for a 12 lb turkey, with most stores pricing them between $12-$14. Discounters like Walmart and Aldi offer lower prices, while premium chains are higher.
Farm Fresh Local Prices
Shopping directly from a local farm nets you a fresh, high-quality bird. Here are average prices per 12 lb turkey from local farms:
- Free Range – $18-$24
- Organic Free Range – $24-$36
- Heritage Breed – $36-$60
As expected, farm fresh turkeys carry a premium, especially organic, free range, and heritage breeds. However, you’re getting a high-end, artisanal turkey.
Online & Specialty Retailer Prices
Online retailers provide the convenience of home delivery:
- FreshDirect – $13.99
- Peapod – $14.39
- AmazonFresh – $17.99
Specialty retailers like butcher shops offer premium turkeys:
- Diestel Family Ranch – $160 for organic 12-14 lb turkey
- D’Artagnan – $120 for free range organic 12 lb turkey
- Niman Ranch – $95 for 10-12 lb natural turkey
As you can see, specialty turkeys from high-end providers are pricey, often $100+ for a 12 lb bird. You pay for exceptional quality.
Costco vs. Whole Foods
Two popular specialty grocery stores, Costco and Whole Foods, represent cheaper and pricier options:
- Costco – $0.99/lb Butterball turkey
- Whole Foods – $3.99/lb organic turkey
Given Costco’s discount model, it’s no surprise their standard turkeys are very affordable. Whole Foods offers premium certified organic turkeys for shoppers willing to pay more.
Average Cost of a 12 lb Turkey
Based on grocery store prices, expect to pay around $12-$15 for a typical frozen 12 lb turkey. Going to a specialty butcher or buying an organic free range turkey can easily double that or more.
Here’s a side-by-side look at average prices:
| Turkey Type | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Standard 12 lb | $12-$15 |
| Organic Free Range 12 lb | $24-$36 |
So for a basic grocery store turkey, plan on $12-$15. But budget $24+ for a premium artisanal turkey from a local farm or specialty market.
Cost Per Pound
Figuring cost per pound is another helpful comparison:
- Standard: $1.00-$1.25/lb
- Organic Free Range: $2.00-$3.00/lb
Expect to pay around $1.00-$1.25/lb for a typical whole turkey. Double that for specialty birds.
Turkey Size and Cost
Turkey size also impacts the overall cost. Here’s how price per pound compares for different weights from the same source:
- 8-10 lbs – $1.50-$1.75/lb
- 12 lbs – $1.00-$1.25/lb
- 16 lbs – $0.95-$1.15/lb
- 20+ lbs – $0.85-$1.10/lb
As you can see, smaller turkeys are more expensive per pound due to fixed costs for farmers. The best price per pound comes from turkeys over 20 lbs.
Ways to Save on Your Thanksgiving Turkey
To get the lowest price on your holiday bird, look for Thanksgiving turkey deals at grocery stores. National chains like Walmart, Aldi, and Kroger often offer discounted pricing in November.
You can also save by:
- Buying a frozen turkey
- Purchasing early
- Avoiding specialty birds
- Comparing prices between stores
- Watching for free turkey promotions tied to minimum purchase
The Bottom Line
Use tips like comparing prices and looking for Thanksgiving deals to find the best bang for your buck. With smart shopping, you can purchase a delicious turkey for your holiday feast at an affordable price.
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.
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.
What Size Turkey To Buy – Ace Hardware
FAQ
How many adults will a 12 lb turkey feed?
Add a few pounds on for bones and you’ve got your turkey weight. For example, 8 hungry people will require at least 12 pounds, but you might want to skew to a 14-pound turkey to be safe.
How much is a 12lbs turkey?
£76.50.
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 much should I pay for a turkey?
| Weights: | Servings per person (note these are a guide only): | Price: |
|---|---|---|
| 5-6 kg | Aprox. 10 people | £78.75 |
| 6-7 kg | Aprox. 12 people | £89.00 |
| 7-8 kg | Aprox. 14 people | £97.50 |
| 8-9 kg | Aprox. 16 people | £107.50 |
How much does a 12 pound turkey cost?
As you can see, the price per pound decreases as the turkey size increases. A 12 pound turkey will cost around $19.08 total. While a 20 pound turkey runs about $19.80. Looking for bargain turkey prices? Check these retailers: Walmart – Great for inexpensive frozen turkeys under $1 per pound. Also offers store brand turkeys for less.
How much does an Aldi Turkey Cost per pound?
You might find your store is running another deal. *Updated for 2024* As of December 19 – The Aldi turkey price is $1.69 per pound for a frozen Butterball Whole Turkey (10 – 22 lb, limit 2). This is a fantastic price per pound for Butterball if you have an Aldi store near you.
Where can I buy a Turkey for a pound?
Costco – Big savings on large bulk frozen turkeys over 20 pounds for under $1 per pound. Whole Foods – Good sales on fresh organic and heritage breed turkeys, often available for under $3 per pound. You can also find deals from local grocery stores by looking out for turkey sales, coupons, and rewards discounts leading up to the holidays.
How much does a Thanksgiving turkey cost?
In the contiguous U.S., California has the highest average price at $39.85. Oklahomans can expect to pay just $19.75 on average for their Thanksgiving turkey, which is the lowest rate in the nation. Turkeys cost less than $20 on average in only one other state — Louisiana ($19.80). How much are Thanksgiving turkeys this year?
How much does a turkey cost at Target?
*Updated for 2024* Target has released its turkey pricing. Buy a Good & Gather Premium frozen whole turkey for $.79 per pound. This is down from last year’s price. If you’d like a Butterball frozen turkey, it’s priced at $1.19 per pound. This is also the same as last year. Note: Prices may vary by location.
How much does a 15 pound turkey cost in Hawaii?
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.