Thanksgiving Turkeys Are Cheaper In 2024—But California Still Leads Mainland In High Prices – Financial Freedom Countdown
Thanksgiving 2024 brings good news for most Americans: the cost of a turkey has dropped 12% compared to last year. Yet, Californians continue to face the highest turkey prices in the continental United States, with a 15-pound bird averaging $39.85, according to a new analysis from FinanceBuzz.
This year’s data reveals significant disparities in turkey prices across the nation, 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 persistent high cost of living in non-contiguous states where transportation of goods significantly 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.
Hawaii: The Nation’s Most Expensive Turkeys
Hawaii tops the list of states with the priciest turkeys, with a 15-pound bird costing an average of $52.85. The high transportation costs to the islands significantly contribute to this hefty price tag.
Alaska: High Prices in the Last Frontier
Alaska follows closely, with a 15-pound turkey averaging $44.85.
Like Hawaii, the state’s remote location and dependence on imported goods make holiday feasts an expensive affair.
Mainland shoppers in California face the highest turkey prices, with a 15-pound bird averaging $39.85.
High demand and elevated living costs in the Golden State push prices higher than most other states.
Connecticut: East Coast Prices Rank High
Connecticut reports one of the highest turkey costs on the East Coast, driven by a combination of transportation expenses and a higher cost of living.
Elevated 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.
Oklahoma: The Nation’s Cheapest Thanksgiving Turkeys
Oklahoma offers the lowest turkey prices in the country, with a 15-pound bird averaging just $19.75. The state’s central location and access to major distribution channels contribute to these savings.
Louisiana: Bargain Turkeys in the Bayou
Louisiana shoppers can snag a 15-pound turkey for $19.80 on average, just slightly higher than in Oklahoma. This affordability makes it a standout state for budget-conscious holiday cooks.
Mississippi: Low Prices in the Magnolia State
Mississippi ranks among the cheapest turkey markets, with a 15-pound bird costing an average of $22.30.
Texas: Affordable Feasts in the Lone Star State
Texans enjoy low turkey prices, with a 15-pound bird priced at $22.60 on average, reflecting strong competition among grocery chains in the state.
Illinois and Ohio: Low Costs in the Midwest
Both Illinois and Ohio tie for fifth place among the least expensive states for turkeys, with a 15-pound bird costing $22.85. Their central location and efficient distribution help keep prices affordable.
Behind the Numbers: How Turkey Prices Were Calculated
FinanceBuzz researchers surveyed turkey prices at a minimum of three grocery stores in each state, focusing on regional chains and national retailers.
Prices were based on Butterball-brand turkeys weighing 12–26 pounds, averaged on a per-pound basis, and scaled to reflect the cost of a 15-pound bird.
Minnesota: The Top Turkey Producer
Turkey production remains concentrated in a handful of key states, which collectively account for a large portion of the nation’s supply.
Minnesota leads the nation, producing 38.5 million turkeys in 2023. Its dominance in the industry stems from its established poultry farming infrastructure and favorable climate for turkey production.
North Carolina: A Poultry Powerhouse
North Carolina follows as the second-largest producer, raising 29 million turkeys in 2023. The state’s robust agricultural sector supports its high production numbers.
Arkansas: A Central Hub for Turkey Farming
Arkansas secures third place with 27 million birds, leveraging its central location and extensive farming networks to meet holiday demand.
Indiana ranks fourth, producing 20 million birds. Rounding out the top five is Missouri, 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.
Turkey Production Slump Threatens to Disrupt Holiday Traditions
The U.S. turkey industry has faced a significant downturn, with production from January to September 2024 down 6.3% compared to the same period in 2023, according to the USDA.
Total turkey meat production is projected to reach only 5.11 billion pounds by year’s end, continuing a multi-year decline.
Consumption has mirrored this trend, falling from 5.26 billion pounds in 2019 to a projected 4.69 billion pounds in 2024.
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 of broader inflationary pressures.
Food Prices Still High
However, food prices remain a concern for many. Between 2019 and 2023, the U.S. Consumer Price Index for food rose by 25%, driven by pandemic-related disruptions, the conflict in Europe and inflation. Although turkey prices are down, the broader cost of a Thanksgiving meal is still influenced by these lingering factors.
What This Means for Your Thanksgiving Budget
As Americans prepare for the holiday, the landscape for turkey prices offers a mix of 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 centerpiece of the meal, and its price often dictates overall spending on holiday groceries.
This year, shoppers are advised to plan ahead, compare prices at local stores, and consider freezing deals early to maximize savings. While turkey prices may have cooled, the broader financial pressures of the holiday season remain top of mind for many families.
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John Dealbreuin came from a third world country to the US with only $1,000 not knowing anyone; guided by an immigrant dream. In 12 years, he achieved his retirement number.
He started Financial Freedom Countdown to help everyone think differently about their financial challenges and live their best lives. John resides in the San Francisco Bay Area enjoying nature trails and weight training.
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