The states where you’ll pay the most — and the least — for your Thanksgiving turkey

Don’t let the turkey gobble up your Thanksgiving budget.

Those looking to get a good bang for their cluck ought to steer clear of Hawaii — home of the most expensive birds in the United States.

That’s according to a recent survey by Finance Buzz, which wrangled prices from grocery stores nationwide to gauge how much shoppers in each state can expect to pay — on average — for the autumnal avian, this time around.

First, the good news — while inflation has reportedly sent the prices of other foods soaring in 2024, turkey prices are reportedly down 12% overall from the previous year, per the hot-out-of-the-oven survey.

This surely comes as little consolation to anyone living in Hawaii, where the festive featherbag runs $52.85 for a 15-pound specimen — 70% over the national average of $31.16.

Alaska, meanwhile, clocked in second — Last Frontier residents can expect to pay $44.85 per gobbler, on average.

The non-contiguous states’ exorbitant prices can be attributed to the costs of transporting goods to those far-flung regions.

Lower 48-wise, California boasted the priciest T-day centerpieces, at $39.85.

Connecticut, Montana and New Jersey tied for fourth place — $36.85 for all three states.

New York turkeys also cost an arm and a wing, at $35.85.

This puts the Empire State in sixth, when it comes to the bankruptcy-tempting dinosaur family tree members.

We’ve listed the top ten most expensive turkey states below:

1. Hawaii ($52.92)
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 ($34.85)

Thankfully, turkey prices aren’t for the birds in every state. In Oklahoma, revelers will pay just $19.75 on average — nearly $11.50 cheaper than the national median.

Louisiana placed second, at $19.80. This was only other state paying under $20.

Trailing close behind were Mississippi ($22.30) and Texas ($22.60).

Illinois and Ohio tied for fifth ($22.85).

We’ve listed the ten least expensive turkey states below:

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 ($25.35)
10. Indiana ($25.85)