How Much Does a Lobster Tail Cost? A Detailed Pricing Guide

Lobster tails are a decadent indulgent seafood treat. With sweet succulent meat that melts in your mouth, they can elevate any meal into a luxurious dining experience. However, lobster tail prices are notably higher than many other types of seafood. This leaves many wondering – how much does a lobster tail cost?

In this comprehensive pricing guide, we’ll break down the cost of lobster tails by size, provider, and other factors. Read on to learn exactly what to expect to pay when buying lobster tails, whether ordering online, at restaurants, or from your local fish market.

Lobster Tail Sizes and Average Costs

The price of a lobster tail depends largely on its size, which is measured in ounces. Lobster tails generally range from 4 ounces up to 1 pound or more The bigger the tail, the pricier it will be per tail However, larger tails can sometimes cost less per ounce compared to smaller sizes.

Here is an overview of the common lobster tail sizes and their average costs:

• Small (4-6 oz): $15 – $25 per tail
• Medium (6-8 oz): $25 – $35 per tail
• Large (8-12 oz): $30 – $50 per tail
• Jumbo (12-16 oz): $50 – $70 per tail
• Colossal (16+ oz): $70+ per tail

So if trying to pin down exactly how much does a lobster tail cost, the size is the biggest variable. A petite 4 ounce tail could be around $20 while a giant 1 pound tail could cost over $100.

Cost from Online Seafood Companies

Ordering lobster tails online from seafood companies is a convenient way to get ultra-fresh tails shipped right to your door. Prices online tend to be competitive and many companies offer discounts for bulk orders.

Here are some average lobster tail costs from popular online seafood suppliers:

• Maine Lobster Now – 6-7 oz tails start at $28 each
• Lobster Anywhere – 6-9 oz tails start at $39 each
• The Lobster Company – 8-10 oz tails are $54 each
• Fulton Fish Market – 4-6 oz tails are $13.99 each
• New England Lobster Delivered – 12-14 oz tails are $54 each

Be sure to factor in shipping costs, which can range from $20-$50 depending on provider and order size. Buying more tails will lower the per tail price.

Lobster Tail Prices at Restaurants

Restaurant lobster tail entrees are generally pricier than buying tails from a market or seafood company. Here are some average restaurant price points:

• Casual dining seafood chains – $18-$26 for a 6-8 oz tail
• Mid-range local restaurants – $28-$38 for an 8-10 oz tail
• Upscale steak & seafood restaurants – $42-$60+ for a 10-14 oz tail

Sides, preparation styles, and sauces will impact the total meal price. Be prepared to spend $50 or more for a lobster tail entree at higher-end restaurants.

Cost at Supermarkets and Fish Markets

Your local grocery store seafood counter or fish market can be a convenient source for fresh lobster tails. Here are typical price ranges:

• Grocery store frozen tails – $10-$15 per 6-8 oz tail
• Fresh tails from the seafood counter – $18-$25 per 8-10 oz tail
• Specialty/gourmet fish markets – $25-$40+ per 8-12 oz fresh tail

Pricing will vary by region. Inland areas may have higher costs for fresh tails compared to coastal areas located closer to ports.

What Impacts the Cost of Lobster Tails?

Several factors influence lobster tail pricing, including:

• Size – The bigger the tail, the higher the price tag. Jumbo and colossal tails cost the most.
• Processing – Fresh tails are more expensive than frozen. Live lobsters then processed into raw tails cost more than imported pre-cooked frozen tails.
• Source Location – Tails from Maine and other New England fisheries demand a premium over international sources.
• Season – Prices dip in late summer when lobsters are most plentiful. They rise again in fall and winter.
• Shipping – Overnight shipping of fresh live tails adds to cost for online ordering.
• Order Volume – Buying tails in bulk lowers the per tail price from seafood suppliers.
• Restaurant Dining – Eating lobster tail entrees at restaurants means paying for preparation, service, and ambiance.

Now that you know how size, source, and other factors impact pricing, you can better gauge how much that perfect lobster tail will cost for your needs and budget.

Estimating Lobster Tail Costs per Serving

Trying to estimate how much a lobster tail meal may cost per person? Here are some averages to help calculate lobster tail costs for servings:

• Appetizer serving – Allow 1/2 of a 6-8 oz tail per person at around $12-$18 per serving
• Side dish serving – Figure on a whole 6-8 oz tail per person, averaging $22-$28 each
• Main course serving – Budget for a whole 8-12 oz tail per diner, averaging $30-$40+ each

Appetizer and side portions allow 1-2 people to share a larger tail. Main courses generally serve each person their own whole lobster tail.

Getting the Best Deal on Lobster Tails

While lobster tails are inherently pricey due to their popularity and delicate texture, here are some tips for scoring the best value:

• Buy in bulk quantities online to lower per tail costs
• Look for sales and promotions from online retailers
• Avoid dining at upscale restaurants for the best value
• Check prices at high-end grocers like Whole Foods or metropolitan fish markets
• Look for bargains like grocery store freezer aisle deals
• Buy medium tails instead of jumbo for more affordable luxury
• Order early in lobster season when supply is high

With minimal effort, you can dig up bargains on lobster tails while still enjoying their luxurious taste. Use this pricing guide to enjoy lobster any budget can afford.