How Much Does a Turkey Cost? Getting the Best Deal for Your Holiday Bird

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, many families are starting to think about how to pull together the perfect holiday meal. And for most, a juicy roasted turkey takes center stage. But with today’s high food prices, hosting Thanksgiving dinner can put a major dent in your wallet. So how much should you expect to pay for a turkey this year? And what’s the best way to get a great deal?

The Average Cost of a Turkey in 2022

On average, Americans can expect to pay $35.40 for a 15-pound turkey this year — an average of $2.36 per pound. This is up about 20% from 2021 when the average 15-pound turkey cost $29. That may not seem like a huge jump, but it adds up quickly, especially for larger gatherings.

Turkey prices can also vary quite a bit depending on where you live. At more than $50 per bird ($52.85), Hawaii has the highest average turkey prices of all the states. In the contiguous U.S., Minnesota and California tie for the highest average price at $41.85.

Southern states like Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas have some of the lowest average costs at around $30 for a 15-pound turkey

Why Did Turkey Prices Go Up?

There are a few key reasons turkey is more expensive this Thanksgiving

• Supply Chain Issues – Ongoing disruptions in processing and transportation have impacted costs across the entire food industry. This includes turkeys

• Inflation – General inflation is driving up prices for consumers on everything from food to fuel. Turkey is no exception.

• Avian Flu – A major bird flu outbreak earlier this year killed millions of turkeys and limited supply. With less inventory, prices climbed.

• Seasonal Demand – Prices on turkey and other holiday foods often see a bump around the holidays as demand surges.

Finding the Best Turkey Deals

While turkey will cost more on average this year, there are still ways to find a great deal:

• Shop Early – You’ll typically find the lowest prices in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving. As it gets closer to the big day, increased demand can push up costs.

• Check for Sales – Many grocery stores drop prices or offer special promotions on turkeys and other holiday staples around Thanksgiving. Watch for ads and savings opportunities.

• Buy Store Brands – Opt for generic store brand turkeys over name brands like Butterball. You’ll often pay less for similar quality.

• Consider Smaller Sizes – A 12-15 pound turkey can often feed the same number of people as an 18-20 pound bird for less money. Go smaller if you don’t need as many leftovers.

• Buy a Turkey Breast – Boneless turkey breast roasts are significantly cheaper per pound than a whole bird. This is a great money-saving option for smaller groups.

• Check Freezer Sections – You may find better deals on frozen turkeys than fresh options. Just make sure to give yourself time to properly thaw.

How Much Turkey Per Person?

Trying to figure out what size turkey to buy for your gathering? Here’s a simple rule of thumb:

• Plan on 1 pound of uncooked turkey per person.
• Estimate 1/2 pound of cooked turkey meat per person.

So for a group of 8 adults, you’d want an 8-10 pound raw turkey, which yields about 4-5 pounds of cooked meat. Adjust up if you want lots of leftovers!

Our turkey calculator makes it easy to determine exactly how big of a bird you need.

Enjoying an Affordable Thanksgiving Turkey

Turkey prices certainly are higher this year, but with a little planning and smart shopping, you can still put together a delicious Thanksgiving meal on a budget. Focus on buying only what you need, look for promotions and sales, and explore different options like turkey breasts and smaller birds. With the right strategies, you can enjoy all your favorite turkey traditions, even when money is tight. Here’s to an abundant gathering around a beautiful, affordable holiday bird!