Thanksgiving 2024: States where turkey prices are the highest and lowest

Here’s something to be thankful for this year: There’s a significant drop in the prices of Thanksgiving turkey nationwide.

For Thanksgiving 2024, consumers will shell out $31.16 – or an average of $2.08 per pound – for a 15-pound turkey, a study conducted by FinanceBuzz shows.

These numbers reflect a 12 percent price decrease, compared to last year’s average price of $35.40, or about $2.36 a pound, for a 15-pound turkey.

The prices for this traditional Thanksgiving dinner centerpiece will vary depending on which state you live in. 

The cost relies heavily on factors like transportation costs, local demand and supply chain adaptability.

For example, Hawaii and Alaska have the highest turkey prices due to the high cost of transporting goods to their states.

This year’s price drop nationwide was driven by more stable supply chains and lower cases of bird flu, particularly in Minnesota, a top turkey producer.

A CBS News report confirms that “supply chains have recovered from the pandemic.”

“With the bird flu not having the same impact on Minnesota turkeys as in recent years, supply is high,” the report says.

@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. pic.twitter.com/l6Ggo3gXDV

— FinanceBuzz.com (@financebuzz) November 18, 2024

Additionally, states with a high cost of living or ineffective supply chains often see higher prices.

Here’s where you can find the most expensive – and the cheapest – Thanksgiving turkey this year.

You may also like: 26 Thanksgiving side dishes ranked from healthiest to unhealthiest

10 states where Thanksgiving turkey prices are the highest

1. Hawaii – $52.85
2. Alaska – $44.85
3. California – $39.85
4. Connecticut – $36.85
5. Montana – $36.85
6. New Jersey – $36.85
7. Nebraska – $36.35
8. New York – $35.85
9. Minnesota – $35.30 
10. Georgia – $34.35

10 states where Thanksgiving turkey prices are the lowest

1. Oklahoma – $19.75
2. Louisiana – $19.80
3. Mississippi – $22.30
4. Texas – $22.60
5. Illinois – $22.85
6. Ohio – $22.85
7. Kentucky – $24.85
8. Tennessee – $24.85
9. Michigan – $25.85
10. Indiana – $25.85

If your state is not on the list, you can check out the full report here.