If you’re placing an expensive seafood order, you should assess all options. While the Alaskan king crab tends to have the highest price, we think it offers a lot of value. We will compare the Alaskan king crab cost to other popular crab varieties to place the prices into context. But first, here is some baseline pricing information from some popular providers.
Compare King Crab Prices
| Company | Price/lb | Minimum Order | Shipping | Order |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Global Seafoods | $35.00 | 5 lbs | $16.20 | |
| Crab Place | $42.29 | 1 lb | $29.95 | |
| Fulton Fish Market | $51.00 | 2 lbs | Free | |
| Seabear Smokehouse | $63.60 | 2.5 lb | $19.99 | |
| Cameron’s Seafood | $65.99 | 3 lbs | $39.99 |
Crab Price Comparisons
Crab prices vary depending on the type you buy. Additionally, how the crab is sold will vary, which can also influence price. A common trend for buying crab is that buying more saves money. Often, purchasing crab in bulk cuts down the price per pound by a few dollars. Below, we will show you how much the king crab cost per pound is relative to other crab varieties.
- King Crab: The Alaskan king crab cost is anywhere from $60 to $70 per pound. King crab is by far the most expensive crab option. It is regarded as the premier crab, so people are willing to pay.
- Snow Crab: A very popular option, snow crab is often sold as a cluster instead of individual legs. As with king crab, snow crab comes in various sizes like standard, jumbo, and colossal. The price per pound for standard clusters is $25. But, this price goes down if you buy in bulk. Colossal sized clusters sell for $31 per pound. Snow crab shells are easier to crack, making them an accessible crab option.
- Stone Crab: Stone crabs are bought for their claws. They are sold by the pound. The prices range from $28 to $65 per pound. The exact cost depends on which size you choose: Medium, large, jumbo, colossal, or super colossal.
- Blue/Chesapeake Bay Crab: Seafood companies sell blue crab a bit differently. You do not purchase the signature crab of Chesapeake Bay by the pound. Instead, you order them by the dozen. Options include a dozen, half bushel, or full bushels. A bushel is 7 dozen. A bushel of standard sized blue crab goes for $250- $265.
- Dungeness Crab: You can buy whole Dungeness crabs, legs, or already picked meat. Per crab, the price is $30 to $35. Each crab weighs around 1.5 to 1.75 pounds.
Is King Crab Worth the Cost?
The king crab cost is steep. There is no denying that. However, the higher price reflects a high-quality crab that is worth the indulgence. You need to consider how you plan to enjoy the crab before you choose which kind to buy.
King crab may not be the best use of your money if you plan to use the crab meat for recipes like crab cakes. The texture of snow crab is better suited for those dishes. Different crab types suit specific occasions. King crab might work better at a dinner party than it would in a casual cookout, for example.
How Much King Crab Should You Buy?
The serving size of crab for an average adult can range from 1 to 3 pounds. For children, the FDA recommends an 8-ounce serving per week. Given the king crab cost, this would cost under $400. You can always order more than you think you will need. This will save you money, since buying in bulk is a better deal. Crab also freezes well, which means you can store it in the freezer for a few months.
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