7 Most Expensive States to Buy a Turkey in 2025

If you feel like your Thanksgiving turkey is costing more than it used to, you are not alone. Prices continue to shift in 2025 as farms, processors, and retailers adjust to fuel costs, labor shortages, and ongoing distribution challenges. When you live in a state where groceries already demand a premium, the price jump can hit your holiday budget even harder. While the national average has moved up, some states stand out as especially tough for turkey shoppers. If you live in one of the states below, expect yourself to feel the increase the next time you head to the store.

1. Hawaii

Hawaii consistently tops the list for high food prices, and turkey is no exception. You pay extra because almost everything must be shipped in, and meat products face strict handling and refrigeration standards during transit. The limited local supply also means retailers compete for a small amount of available stock, pushing prices upward. Even when you shop early or wait for sales, the base price is already higher than what shoppers on the mainland see. If your Thanksgiving dinner happens on the islands, you are likely spending more per pound than almost anywhere else in the country.

2. Alaska

Alaska is known for high grocery prices, and turkey remains among the most expensive holiday items. Long transport routes, fewer distributors, and cold‐chain requirements push up the final retail cost. Smaller towns and rural villages feel it even more because the distance from larger distribution hubs adds another layer of freight expense. Even if you shop at warehouse stores or look for promotions, the markup is hard to avoid. Many families try to plan early and budget for the extra cost, but you still find yourself paying significantly more compared to shoppers in the lower 48. If your holiday happens in Alaska, the turkey bill rarely comes small.

3. California

California may have better agricultural access than many states, but that does not translate into cheaper turkey prices in 2025. Farm labor costs, higher electricity rates at processing plants, and elevated gasoline prices all contribute to added expenses before products reach the shelf. Urban and coastal metros feel the most pressure because retailers face higher rent and staffing costs. Even bulk shopping or holiday discounts often fail to bring prices close to the national average. When you combine inflation with record household spending around the holidays, Thanksgiving in California often demands a bigger grocery budget, especially if you aim for larger birds and premium brands.

4. New York

New York shoppers routinely deal with higher food prices, especially in major metro areas. Turkey costs are influenced by shipping, overhead, and strong demand leading up to the holiday season. Retailers also face some of the highest commercial rents and labor costs in the country, and those expenses get passed on to you at checkout. Rural shoppers may see slightly lower prices, but even those tend to sit above the national average. You can compare stores, shop loyalty programs, and plan, but you still pay more than in many other states. If Thanksgiving happens in New York, the turkey often takes a serious slice of the budget.

5. Massachusetts

Massachusetts often lands on lists of pricey states for groceries, and turkey is no different. Higher living costs, expensive real estate for retailers, and regional distribution challenges work together to bump up the meat case prices. While competition between large grocery chains helps control spikes, many stores report heavier holiday demand than supply improvements can offset. If you live in or near Boston, the difference is sharp, with shoppers regularly seeing higher per‐pound prices. Even frugal planners have to stretch their holiday budget a bit more. By the time Thanksgiving rolls around, the turkey becomes one of the biggest single grocery expenses of the celebration.

6. Connecticut

Connecticut shoppers are used to paying more for pantry staples, and turkey joins that list during the holiday season. Supply chain costs, regional labor expenses, and strong suburban demand push up the baseline price in 2025. You can shop sales, buy frozen instead of fresh, or purchase smaller birds, but the savings only go so far when the starting point is already high. Proximity to major metro markets also affects wholesale costs, and those adjustments trickle down to your cart. Many households plan their Thanksgiving meals carefully, but turkey often remains the single most expensive line item on the ticket.

7. Washington

Washington combines high transportation costs, strong grocery demand, and elevated labor expenses, making turkey prices higher than the national average. Retailers in the Seattle metro area see a significant spike during the holiday season, and prices sometimes rise further when supply tightens. Even in smaller cities, distribution costs remain tough to control because many products travel long distances from major processing states. Shoppers who compare multiple stores or buy early may find modest savings, but most still feel the price jump when planning their holiday meals. If you host Thanksgiving in Washington, you prepare for a turkey bill that rarely comes cheaply.