How Much Does an Entire King Crab Cost? A Breakdown of Prices

King crab is one of the most decadent and prized seafood delicacies. With its snowy white meat and rich, sweet flavor, king crab is always a crowd-pleasing centerpiece. But buying an entire king crab is an investment, which raises the question – how much does a whole king crab cost?

In this article, we’ll break down the factors that determine the price of king crab and give typical price ranges so you know what to expect when splurging on this royal crustacean.

Why Is King Crab Expensive?

There are several reasons why king crab commands premium pricing

• Difficult harvest – King crab live in deep, cold Alaskan waters, making them challenging and dangerous to catch.

• Small supply – Strict fishing regulations limit the harvest volume to maintain healthy crab populations

• High demand – King crab is exported globally due to its desirable taste and texture.

• Large size – A single king crab can weigh 10+ pounds, yielding a good amount of meat.

• Delicate handling – King crab must be transported carefully to maintain freshness.

The difficult harvesting and small yearly supply make king crab more exclusive and pricier than other types of shellfish. The large size also means you get more meat for your money.

Average Cost of an Entire King Crab

The total cost of a king crab depends on:

• Weight – Prices are usually set per pound. Larger crabs cost more.

• Quality grade – Higher graded crabs demand higher prices Grades are based on factors like shell hardness and meat fill

• Source – Wild-caught Alaskan king crab is more expensive than imported crab.

• Retailer – Prices vary between fisheries, wholesalers, markets, and restaurants.

• Serving size – Cost per serving decreases when feeding more people.

Here are typical per-pound costs for a whole cooked king crab:

• Grocery store or seafood market: $25-$60 per pound

• Online seafood retailer: $30-$75 per pound

• Wholesale distributor: $15-$30 per pound

• Direct from Alaskan fishery: $20-$50 per pound

The more steps in the supply chain, the higher the final consumer price. Direct purchasing reduces costs.

Average Per-Crab Prices

For a rough per-crab cost, here are typical size ranges and prices:

• 5-8 pound king crab: $125-$300

• 8-10 pound king crab: $200-$500

• 10-15 pound king crab: $300-$800

• 15-20+ pound king crabs: $500-$1,000+

Larger crabs exceeding 20 pounds can cost over $1,000. A 5 pounder for a smaller gathering represents the lower end around $125. For a dinner party, expect to pay at least $200 and up for a generously sized king crab.

Note: Live king crab typically costs about $5/pound more due to the challenges of transporting live shellfish.

Estimated Per Serving Price

To estimate cost per serving, consider that a 1-1.5 pound king crab typically provides one 6-8 ounce serving.

Given average per pound prices of $30-$60, each serving would cost around $20-$40.

For a dinner for four with two 1.5 pound crabs, the total cost would be $120-$240, or $30-$60 per person.

Buying larger crabs lowers the per serving price due to higher meat yield versus shell. Splurging on a special occasion 10 pound king crab for $400 would keep servings under $40 each with leftovers.

Tips for Saving on King Crab

Here are some tips to get your royal crab fix while keeping costs in check:

• Buy direct from local fisheries during peak season for savings

• Purchase wholesale for bulk discounts if hosting large gatherings

• Consider lower-cost snow crab or Dungeness crab for a budget alternative

• Supplement crab with side dishes to stretch servings

• Check for weekly specials at grocers or fish markets

• Stick to smaller crabs around 5 pounds to serve just a few people

While king crab carries a royal price tag, there are ways to economize, especially if buying directly from distributors. With some planning and smart shopping, you can enjoy this regal delicacy on a budget.

Is Splurging on King Crab Worth It?

While expensive, many seafood aficionados argue king crab is worth the occasional splurge. There are few culinary experiences that compare to the anticipatory crack of king crab legs at a special dinner.

The delicate, melt-in-your-mouth meat and rich brininess simply can’t be replicated by other crab varieties. For memorable meals and special occasions, king crab is the crown jewel of crustaceans.

Given the labor-intensive harvest and sheer size of these beasts, the price reflects the effort to grace your table with Alaskan royalty. Just be sure to savor every tender bite of your investment!

Satisfy Your King Crab Cravings

Part of the joy of king crab is anticipation building up to the big feast. Now that you know approximate costs, you can budget accordingly as you plan your next regal seafood event.

Keep costs down by purchasing directly from reputable fisheries during peak season. Supplement with sides to stretch your investment. Most importantly, gather good friends and family to fully enjoy this rare culinary luxury.

Close your eyes, inhale the briny aroma, and let sweet decadence wash over your taste buds. King crab is a flavor well worth paying a royal ransom to experience.