King crab legs are one of the most decadent delicious seafood treats you can enjoy. With sweet, succulent meat and a hearty rich flavor, Alaska king crab is a premium shellfish delight. But fresh king crab legs don’t come cheap – their wild-caught origins and importing costs make them one of the pricier proteins on the market.

So how much can you expect to pay for fresh king crab legs? In this article we’ll break down the average cost of king crab legs, what impacts the prices and how to find the best deals.

Average Price Per Pound

The average retail price for fresh, raw king crab legs is $25-$50 per pound However, you’ll see a wide range based on factors like

• Size: King crab legs are sold by size grades, with larger grades costing more per pound. Small legs average $25/lb while jumbo colossal legs can cost up to $50/lb.

• Species: Most king crab sold is red king crab from Alaska, which commands premium pricing. Blue king crab costs less, around $35/lb.

• Source: Crab legs sourced directly from Alaska tend to cost more than imported crab legs from Russia or Norway.

• Retailer: Prices can vary between grocery stores, local fish markets, and online seafood retailers.

• Time of Year: Prices fluctuate based on supply and demand throughout the fishing seasons.

Average Per Serving

Since king crab is usually served as a shared appetizer or entree, it helps to break down costs per serving. Here are some estimates:

• 2 people: Plan on 1 pound of legs. With an average $35/lb price, this equals around $17 per serving.

• 4 people: For a group, order 2 pounds of legs to allow about 1/2 pound per person. At $35/lb, it’s roughly $17 per serving.

• 6-8 people: Order 3-4 pounds of legs for a party and estimate 4-6 ounces per serving. Per serving cost is $12-$18.

No matter which way you break it down, expect to pay around $15-$20 per serving when buying king crab legs to serve in a restaurant-style presentation.

Price Breakdown by Size Grade

To give you a better idea of king crab pricing, here is an overview of the cost per pound for different size grades:

• Small ($20-$25/lb): 5-8 legs per pound
• Medium ($25-$35/lb): 4-5 legs per pound
• Large ($30-$40/lb): 3-4 legs per pound
• Jumbo ($35-$45/lb): 2-3 legs per pound
• Colossal ($40-$55/lb): 1-2 legs per pound

The largest colossal legs can be over a pound each. These impressive legs are the most expensive per pound but provide beautiful individual servings.

Prices at Grocery Stores vs. Online Retailers

At traditional grocery stores, you’ll pay $25-$35 per pound for raw king crab legs. Selection is often limited to smaller frozen legs.

Online seafood retailers offer far more variety at lower costs. Direct ordering allows them to cut out distributor markups. Online prices for premium king crab typically range from $35-$50 per pound.

We recommend buying king crab online if you want better selection, larger sizing, and cheaper pricing compared to brick-and-mortar stores. Reputable retailers like Alaska King Crab direct ship the legs overnight to your door.

Best Ways to Save

King crab legs will always command premium pricing due to limited supply and high demand. But you can still find ways to save:

• Buy bulk 10+ pounds to get lower per-pound costs.
• Look for flash sales or seasonal specials from retailers.
• Opt for smaller leg sizes if you want the best value per bite.
• Consider related crab varieties like snow crab legs which cost less.
• Buy combo packs with other seafood to lower the overall package price.

While not cheap, king crab legs are worth splurging on for special occasions like holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, or date nights. Take advantage of bulk pricing and online deals to make this royal seafood delicacy more affordable.

Cooking and Serving King Crab Legs

Now that you know what to expect for pricing, it’s time to cook up those crab legs and impress your guests! Here are some tips:

• Thaw properly – Thaw frozen legs overnight in the fridge or for a few hours in cold water. Avoid room temp thawing.

• Cook simple – Boil, steam, or bake at 375°F until the shell turns bright red. Avoid overcooking.

• Season lightly – A splash of lemon and melted butter is all you need. Let the crab shine.

• Serve with style – Arrange legs on a platter with lemon wedges, butter, and dipping sauces. Provide crab crackers and picks.

• Go all out – For special events, present legs on crushed ice with candles and decor. Really wow your guests with your homemade king crab feast.

The sweet, tender meat of Alaska king crab makes it worth every penny. Follow these tips to serve up a fancy crab leg dinner at home. Now get cracking on those legs!