Thanksgiving Turkeys Cheaper This Year, but California Leads Mainland in High Prices [Video]

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 …