How Much Does a Whole Lobster Cost? A Breakdown of Lobster Prices

Lobster is considered one of the most decadent and delicious seafood treats But it often comes with a hefty price tag, especially for whole lobsters So how much does a whole lobster really cost? Let’s dive into the factors that influence lobster prices.

Average Cost of Whole Lobsters

The average price for a whole live lobster is $8 to $15 per pound. However, lobster prices fluctuate throughout the year and can be higher or lower depending on several variables.

Some of the main factors that affect the cost of whole lobsters include:

• Location – Lobster prices are generally cheapest near major fishing areas like Maine. Prices increase the farther you are from the source.

• Supply and Demand – When lobster catches are high prices fall. During peak tourist seasons demand rises and pushes up costs.

• Size – Larger lobsters over 1.5 pounds cost more per pound than smaller lobsters under 1 pound.

• Source – Lobsters shipped directly from the dock cost less than those sold at grocery stores or restaurants.

• Time of Year – Prices decline in late spring when supplies are most abundant They spike around holidays like Christmas and Mother’s Day when demand is highest

So while the average cost is $8 to $15 per pound, lobster prices can range from as low as $5 per pound directly from lobstermen to $25+ per pound at fine dining restaurants during peak demand seasons.

Average Prices at Grocery Stores

Grocery stores typically charge higher prices for lobsters than local seafood markets or buying directly from the dock. But grocery store prices can still vary considerably based on your location.

Here are some average whole lobster prices at select grocery store chains:

• Whole Foods – $9 to $17 per pound
• Safeway – $9 to $15 per pound
• Kroger – $7 to $13 per pound
• Publix – $8 to $13 per pound
• Wegmans – $8 to $15 per pound

Lobster prices at grocery stores tend to be cheapest during late spring when supplies are abundant. The lowest sale prices may dip down to $5.99 or $6.99 per pound during peak season.

Average Prices at Seafood Markets

For budget-friendly lobster prices, your best bet is to skip the grocery stores and shop at local seafood markets or fish markets instead.

Seafood markets have direct connections with fishermen, allowing them to offer lower retail prices. Here are some typical whole lobster prices at seafood markets:

• Fulton Fish Market in New York – $6 to $12 per pound
• Legal Sea Foods in Boston – $8 to $14 per pound
• Pike Place Fish Market in Seattle – $8 to $16 per pound
• Fisherman’s Wharf Seafood in San Francisco – $7 to $15 per pound

Buying directly from seafood markets or lobster docks can save $2 to $5 per pound compared to grocery store prices.

Cost of Live vs. Cooked Lobsters

You can buy whole lobsters either live or pre-cooked. Live lobsters tend to be more affordable since you have to do the cooking yourself. Pre-cooked lobsters offer more convenience at a premium price.

On average, live lobsters cost $2 to $5 less per pound compared to pre-cooked lobsters sold at supermarkets and seafood restaurants. Keep this price difference in mind when deciding between live and cooked.

Price for Cooking at Home vs. Restaurant

Eating lobster in a nice restaurant usually costs at least double the price you would pay to cook it yourself at home. Here’s a comparison:

• 1.5 pound lobster from market or grocery store – $12 to $22
• 1.5 pound lobster entree at Red Lobster – $30 to $40
• 1.5 pound lobster entree at fancy restaurant – $40 to $60

You can save 50% or more by purchasing whole lobsters to cook rather than ordering lobster dishes at restaurants. Just be ready to put in some work cracking and picking the meat yourself.

Cost Breakdown by Lobster Size

Lobster size makes a significant difference in cost per pound. Here is a cost breakdown based on typical market prices for different size whole lobsters:

• 0.75 – 1 pound lobster – $9 to $11 per pound
• 1 – 1.25 pound lobster – $8 to $10 per pound
• 1.25 – 1.5 pound lobster – $7 to $9 per pound
• 1.5 – 2 pound lobster – $6 to $8 per pound
• 2+ pound lobster – $5 to $7 per pound

As you can see, increasing lobster size reduces the price per pound due to volume discounts. But larger lobsters also have tougher meat, so smaller 1-1.5 pound lobsters offer the best flavor.

Best Times to Buy Lobster

Timing your lobster purchase around peak supply seasons is the easiest way to get lower prices:

• Late Spring – Abundant new lobster supplies from the summer harvest lower prices from May through early July.

• Early Fall – Kids going back to school reduces demand in September and October. Prices remain low through Thanksgiving.

• January – Bad winter weather keeps lobstermen closer to shore, increasing supplies after the holidays.

Buying during these shoulder seasons can save $2 to $5 per pound off peak prices.

Tips for Finding the Best Lobster Prices

Here are some tips to help you find the most affordable whole lobsters in your area:

• Shop at local seafood markets instead of national chains
• Buy directly from lobster docks or fishermen if possible
• Check grocery store sales in late spring and early fall
• Buy larger lobsters to get better per pound costs
• Avoid peak summer and winter holiday demand
• Learn how to crack and pick your own lobsters

With the right sourcing and timing, you can indulge in delicious whole lobster without overspending. Following these lobster buying strategies can help you enjoy this prized seafood treat at the best possible price.