Thanksgiving 2024 brings good news for most Americans: the cost of a turkey dropped 12% compared to last year. Yet, despite this overall decrease, Californians still face the highest turkey prices in the continental United States. A 15-pound bird averages $39.85 in the Golden State, according to a new FinanceBuzz analysis.
This year’s data reveals significant disparities in turkey prices nationwide, with shoppers in Hawaii paying the most. A 15-pound bird in the Aloha State will set the holiday budget back $52.85, nearly 70% more than the national average of $31.16. Alaska follows closely behind at $44.85, reflecting the persistently high living costs in non-contiguous states where transportation of goods raises prices.
For mainland residents, California’s turkey prices lead the pack. A 15-pound Butterball turkey in the Golden State averages $39.85, a notable jump compared to other states in the contiguous U.S.
A Closer Look at Turkey Prices by State
While California tops the mainland charts, other states also report elevated costs. The top 10 states for pricey poultry include Connecticut, Montana, New Jersey, Nebraska, New York, Minnesota, and Georgia.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, Oklahoma offers the cheapest turkeys in the country, with a 15-pound bird costing just $19.75.
Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas follow Oklahoma, with prices hovering around $22 for a 15-pound bird. Illinois and Ohio tied for the fifth-lowest average at $22.85. These stark differences highlight the regional variances in food costs, even for a standard Thanksgiving staple.
FinanceBuzz researchers surveyed turkey prices in at least three grocery stores in each state to gather data. The focus was on regional chain grocers with multiple locations and prominent national retailers rather than smaller independent outlets.
Experts based their findings on Butterball-brand turkeys weighing between 12 and 26 pounds. They then averaged per-pound prices from each store to calculate each state’s cost, multiplying this figure by 15 pounds to create final rankings.
Turkey Production Slump Threatens To Disrupt Holiday Traditions
The U.S. turkey industry has faced a significant downturn. Production from January to September 2024 is down 6.3% compared to the same period in 2023, as per the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Projections put total turkey meat production at only 5.11 billion pounds by year’s end, continuing a multi-year decline.
Consumption mirrors this trend, falling from 5.26 billion pounds in 2019 to a projected 4.69 billion pounds in 2024.
The turkey industry’s backbone lies in a few key states, which lead the nation in bird production. Minnesota ranks first, producing an impressive 38.5 million birds in 2023. North Carolina follows as the second-largest producer, with 29 million turkeys. A key poultry sector player, Arkansas claimed the third spot with 27 million birds. The state benefits from its central location and access to major distribution networks.
Indiana ranks fourth, producing 20 million birds. Missouri rounds out the top five, contributing 17 million birds to the nation’s turkey supply.
These states collectively account for a significant portion of the 218 million turkeys produced nationwide in 2023, underscoring their critical role in feeding Americans during the holiday season.
Why Are Turkeys Cheaper in 2024?
The drop in turkey prices marks a welcome change after years of inflation and pandemic-related disruptions. In 2022, the bird flu outbreak caused a spike in poultry prices, compounding the effects of supply chain issues.
This year, the average cost of a 15-pound turkey is $31.16 ($2.08 per pound), compared to $35.40 ($2.36 per pound) in 2023. The 12% decrease reflects a stabilization in the poultry market and easing broader inflationary pressures.
However, food prices remain a concern for many. Between 2019 and 2023, the U.S. Consumer Price Index for food rose 25%, driven by pandemic-related disruptions, global conflicts, and inflation. Although turkey prices are down, these lingering factors still influence the broader cost of a Thanksgiving meal.
What This Means for Your Thanksgiving Budget
As Americans prepare for the holiday, lower turkey prices offer welcome relief and challenges.
Lowest prices: Oklahoma ($19.75) and Louisiana ($19.80)Highest prices: Hawaii ($52.85), Alaska ($44.85), and California ($39.85)National average: $31.16 for a 15-pound bird
Despite the drop in turkey prices, Californians and others in high-cost states may still feel the pinch. The turkey remains the meal’s centerpiece, and its price often dictates spending on holiday groceries.
This year, experts advise shoppers to plan, compare prices across local stores, and consider freezing food bought early to maximize savings. While turkey prices may have cooled, broader financial pressures of the holiday season remain at the top of many families’ minds.
