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.
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Home chefs across America are gearing up for the biggest feast of the year. But between rising consumer debt and the rising costs of goods, Thanksgiving 2023 could look different — and more expensive — for most.
High grocery prices this year are leading some families to make alternate plans for the most essential Thanksgiving menu item: the turkey. FinanceBuzz collected turkey prices from U.S. grocery stores to find the average cost of a Thanksgiving turkey in each state.
It’s that time of year again – turkey time! As Thanksgiving approaches, many are starting to think about picking up a turkey for the big feast. But with food prices on the rise this year, how much should you expect to pay per pound for a turkey? In this article, we’ll take a look at the latest turkey prices from a variety of stores to help you budget for your holiday bird.
Recent Trends in Turkey Prices
In 2022 turkey prices hit record highs, up 28% compared to last year according to the USDA. The average price for an 8-16 pound turkey reached $1.47 per pound up from $1.15 per pound in 2021. There are a few key factors behind these increased turkey costs
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Supply chain issues – Ongoing labor shortages and transportation disruptions have impacted costs across the entire food supply chain. This has driven up expenses for turkey producers and retailers.
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Inflation – Broad inflationary pressures on costs like fuel, wages, and packaging have put upward pressure on turkey prices. Inflation hit a 40-year high in 2022.
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Avian flu – A severe avian flu outbreak led to the loss of over 8 million turkeys so far in 2022. With reduced supply, turkey prices climbed.
However, there are some signs turkey prices may be moderating as we approach Thanksgiving. Some retailers have announced discounts, and the overall Consumer Price Index inflation rate has declined over the last few months, easing cost pressures.
Comparing Turkey Prices at Major Retailers
To find the best deals on turkey this Thanksgiving, we compared the latest advertised prices at 9 top grocery chains:
Walmart
- Walmart recently announced it was rolling back prices on whole turkeys to under $1 per pound to match last year’s prices.
Target
- Target’s Good & Gather brand fresh turkeys are priced at $0.99 per pound.
Kroger
- Kroger turkey prices range from $0.39 to $1.49 per pound depending on size.
Lidl
- Frozen turkeys at Lidl are priced from $0.49 per pound.
Aldi
- Aldi turkeys range from $1.07 per pound for Butterball to $1.79 per pound for Honeysuckle White. Aldi rolled back prices to match 2019.
Wegmans
- Wegmans turkeys range from $1.69 per pound for a 10-14 lb turkey to $3.19 per pound for an antibiotic-free turkey.
Albertsons
- Turkeys at Albertsons are priced from $1.89 to $2.79 per pound for a 16-20 pound turkey.
Trader Joe’s
- Trader Joe’s all natural young turkeys cost $1.99 per pound. Organic turkeys are $2.99 per lb.
Whole Foods
- Whole Foods has turkeys starting at $1.99 per pound for standard, $2.99 for organic, and $3.99 per pound for heirloom varieties.
Average Turkey Prices by Type
Looking at average prices across retailers, here are the typical per pound costs for different turkey types and sizes this Thanksgiving:
- Frozen turkeys – $1.00 to $1.25 per pound
- Fresh turkeys – $1.25 to $1.50 per pound
- 10-15 pound turkeys – $1.15 to $1.40 per pound
- 16-20 pound turkeys – $1.25 to $1.50 per pound
- 20+ pound turkeys – $1.40 to $1.65 per pound
- Organic turkeys – $2.75 to $3.25 per pound
- Kosher turkeys – $2.50 to $3.00 per pound
As you can see, prices can vary significantly for different sizes, types, and brands of turkey. Shopping early and looking for promotions can help you score the best bargain. Pro tip: check freezer sections for deeply discounted frozen turkeys!
Saving Money on Your Thanksgiving Turkey
While turkey prices are up across the board this year, there are still ways you can save:
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Buy early – Shop earlier in November before demand spikes. Retailers may offer deeper discounts.
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Shop sales – Check circulars and look online for turkey promotions. Buying a sale turkey can chop $.30 or more per pound.
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Buy a frozen turkey – They are much cheaper than fresh turkeys. Let it thaw in the fridge before Thanksgiving.
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Downsize your turkey – Get a 12-15 lb turkey instead of a 20 pounder to save $.25+ per lb. Cook more side dishes!
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Buy store or lesser-known brands – Opt for the store’s own brand turkey rather than name brands to save.
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Use turkey rewards points – Grocery loyalty programs may offer free turkeys if you earn enough points.
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Split costs – Go in with family on a large turkey to get bulk pricing.
A little shopping around and flexibility on size can still bag you turkey deals this Thanksgiving. That will leave you more money for all those holiday pie and side dish fixings! What great tips and tricks do you have for saving on Thanksgiving turkeys? Share your thoughts in the comments!
States with the most affordable Thanksgiving turkeys
Turkeys are most affordable in Louisiana, where they cost just $27.30 on average. That’s over $8 cheaper than the national average. A number of nearby states have similarly affordable turkeys this year. Oklahoma ($27.85), Kansas ($27.85), Mississippi ($29.25), and Missouri ($29.35) make up the most affordable states.
Least expensive states for a Thanksgiving turkey
| State | Cost for a 15-pound turkey |
| Louisiana | $27.30 |
| Kansas | $27.85 |
| Oklahoma | $27.85 |
| Mississippi | $29.25 |
| Missouri | $29.35 |
| Texas | $30.80 |
| North Dakota | $30.85 |
| Colorado | $31.35 |
| Maine | $31.35 |
| Arkansas | $31.85 |
| Iowa | $31.85 |
| Ohio | $31.85 |
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 50% more than the national average of $35.40.
Turkeys cost more than $10 less in Alaska ($42.35), 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 | $42.35 |
| Minnesota | $41.85 |
| California | $41.85 |
| Rhode Island | $39.35 |
| Connecticut | $38.85 |
| Georgia | $38.85 |
| Kentucky | $38.85 |
| South Carolina | $38.85 |
| Wisconsin | $38.85 |
On the mainland, Minnesota and California have the most expensive turkey prices on average, as a 15-pound bird costs $41.85 on average in each of those states. America’s smallest state, Rhode Island, rounds out the top five.