How Much Does Crab Cost? A Breakdown of Crab Prices for Different Types and Sizes

Crab is one of the most coveted seafood delicacies. The sweet succulent meat is so delicious that many don’t mind splurging on fresh crab. But between different crab species, sizes and quality grades, crab prices can really vary.

So how much does crab actually cost? Here is a comprehensive guide to the going rates for different kinds of crab on the market.

Factors That Impact Crab Prices

Several factors affect the retail cost of crab

• Species: King crab, snow crab, and Dungeness crab are among the priciest options. Blue crabs and stone crabs are cheaper.

• Size: The larger the crab, the higher the price per pound. Jumbo crabs cost the most.

• Grade: crab are graded by factors like meat content. No. 1 “heavy” crabs with dense meat are most expensive.

• Source: Fresh wild-caught local crab is pricier than imported frozen crab. The region it comes from impacts price.

• Preparation: Live crabs, cleaned crab meat, and crab legs have different price points. More processing increases cost.

• Availability: Prices depend on peak season vs. limited availability out of season.

• Retailer: Prices can vary among grocery stores, fish markets, warehouses, and direct local suppliers.

So you can expect to pay a lot more for a colossal Alaskan king crab bought live from a local fishery in peak season than frozen leg clusters from an Asian import out of season. Let’s break down specifics.

Prices for Live Crabs

Buying freshly caught live crabs is the best way to get the sweetest, freshest meat. But it comes at a premium cost. Here are average prices per crab:

• Blue crabs: $2 – $6 each

• Dungeness crabs: $15 – $25 each

• King crabs: $30 – $60 each

A dozen medium blue crabs goes for $20 – $40. A dozen large Dungeness can cost $150 – $300. These per-crab prices depend heavily on weight. A single jumbo Dungeness can top $40 while petite crabs are under $10.

Most fish markets sell live crab by the dozen or bushel (4-5 dozen). A bushel of medium blue crabs is $150 – $200. A bushel of large Dungies can run from $400 – $600.

Live crabs are sold whole, so you pay for the weight of the shell as well as the meat. This makes live crabs one of the most expensive options when calculated by edible meat per pound.

But nothing beats the flavor of cooking and cracking freshly caught live local crab yourself. Many feel it’s worth the cost for a special occasion.

Prices for Fresh Crab Meat

For those who don’t want the work of dealing with a live crab, fresh crab meat is very convenient. Fresh meat has been removed from the shells so you just get pure, ready-to-eat crab. Here are typical prices:

• Jumbo Lump Crab Meat: $40-$60 per pound

• Lump Crab Meat: $30-$50 per pound

• Backfin Crab Meat: $20-$35 per pound

• Claw Crab Meat: $15-$25 per pound

Lump crab meat comes from larger chunks of body meat. Backfin and claw meat contains smaller shreds and pieces.

Jumbo lump crab commands the highest prices, with smaller shreds costing incrementally less. Depending on the crab species, fresh meat costs $15 – $60+ per pound retail.

Canned Crab Meat Prices

Canned crab meat allows enjoying the flavor of real crab year-round. It usually costs significantly less than fresh crab:

• Jumbo Lump Crab: $30-$45 per can

• Lump Crab Meat: $18-$26 per can

• Claw & Backfin: $8-$14 per can

A 6-8 ounce can of jumbo lump blue crab meat runs around $15. Smaller cans of backfin mix are under $10. With canned crab, you pay a premium for meat from larger chunks and sections.

Frozen Crab Legs & Sections

For even more affordable crab, frozen pre-cooked crab legs are very popular. Much of the work has been done already, so you just thaw, heat, and eat. Approximate frozen crab leg costs:

• King crab legs: $15-$30 per pound

• Snow crab legs: $9-$15 per pound

• Dungeness sections: $12-$18 per pound

Thick colossal king crab legs are the most expensive. Smaller snow crab clusters cost incrementally less. Pre-cut Dungeness leg and body sections also cost slightly under king crab legs per pound.

Depending on the store, 5 pounds of frozen king crab legs can range from $60-$150. Lower end of that spectrum is on the more affordable side for king crab.

Cost for Whole Cooked Crabs

Pre-cooked whole crabs offer big presentation at a lower price point than live crabs. Depending on size, expect to pay:

• Medium (4-5 inches): $4-$8 each

• Large (6-8 inches): $12-$18 each

• Jumbo (8-10 inches): $20-$30 each

A cooked whole blue crab dinner with a dozen medium crabs costs $40-$75. For Dungeness, 6 large pre-cooked crabs run $65-$100. You pay more for bigger crab but less than buying them live.

Value Packs & Bulk Deals

To get the most crab for your dollar, look for bulk packs and club store deals. These offer lower per-pound pricing in exchange for buying more.

Sam’s Club sells a 10-pound variety pack of frozen king, snow, and Dungeness for $150 ($15 per pound). At Restaurant Depot, 30 pounds of snow crab clusters is $150 ($5 per pound).

Buying by the case allows restaurants and seafood retailers to offer much lower per-pound costs. But individuals can access some of these bulk savings too through warehouse stores or direct from local suppliers.

When buying crab for family and friends, bulk can offer big savings. Shop sales around holidays and peak season.

Is Crab Worth the Price?

From buttery king crab legs to freshly steamed Dungeness, there’s no denying this crustacean has a super-premium price tag. But fans agree the melt-in-your-mouth sweet flavor makes it worthwhile for many.

On special occasions like beach trips or backyard boils, amazing fresh crab is hard to beat. With lower-cost options like canned meat or frozen legs, you can also enjoy crab year-round without breaking the bank.

No matter your budget, there are choices to allow experiencing this decadent seafood. With proper handling and preparation, crab can deliver great value for the cost. Just adjust portions or frequency to fit your wallet.

Do you splurge on crab? Share your favorites and tips for enjoying crab affordably in the comments!