California consumers are facing steep turkey prices this holiday season, with the Golden State recording the highest costs in the continental United States, trailing only Hawaii and Alaska nationwide.
According to a new market analysis by FinanceBuzz, California shoppers are paying an average of $2.66 per pound for turkey, translating to $39.85 for a standard 15-pound bird. This places California's prices 27% above the national average.
By comparison, Hawaii tops the list at $52.85 per turkey, while Alaska ranks second at $44.85. Other states seeing elevated prices include Connecticut, Montana, and New Jersey, all tied at $36.85 per bird.
The pricing landscape shows dramatic regional variations. While Californians pay premium prices, Oklahoma offers the nation's most affordable turkeys at just $1.32 per pound, or $19.75 for a 15-pound turkey. Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas follow with similarly budget-friendly prices.
As winter approaches, there is some good news for shoppers nationwide - turkey prices have dropped 12% compared to 2023. The national average for a 15-pound turkey now stands at $31.16, down from $35.40 last year. This decline comes after the 2022 bird flu outbreak that caused widespread price increases.
Despite having some of the highest retail prices, California maintains a strong position in turkey production, ranking eighth nationally with 6 million birds raised annually. Iowa leads production, followed by Virginia and Missouri.
For budget-conscious shoppers, experts recommend strategies like shopping early, using store coupons, considering generic brands, and taking advantage of grocery rewards programs to offset the higher California prices.
The analysis examined Butterball-brand turkey prices at multiple regional and national grocery chains across each state, focusing on birds between 12 and 26 pounds to establish average costs.
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