How Much Does an Entire King Crab Cost?

King crab is one of the most prized seafood delicacies due to its sweet, succulent meat and impressive size. However, king crab comes at a premium price point that gives many buyers pause. So how much can you expect to pay if you want to splurge on an entire king crab? Let’s break it down.

Factors That Influence King Crab Pricing

Several key factors impact the cost of king crab:

Species

There are three main commercially fished species of king crab – red, blue and golden. The giant red king crab found in Alaskan waters is the largest and most expensive variety. Smaller blue king crab and golden king crab are more affordable options.

Size

In general, larger king crabs that yield more meat cost more per crab. Individual king crab legs are priced per pound based on size. Jumbo legs command the highest per pound prices.

Source

Wild-caught Alaskan king crab is considered the highest quality and carries a higher price tag than king crab from other regions.

Processing

Live king crab is the most perishable and expensive form Frozen and cooked crab is more widely available at lower price points

Seasonality

During peak winter harvesting seasons, prices tend to dip slightly with the surge in supply.

Location

Areas closer to the supply source like the Pacific Northwest see lower prices. Additional transportation drives up costs in other regions.

Average Per-Crab Costs

With these factors in mind, here are typical price ranges:

• 5 to 8 pounds – $150 to $300
• 8 to 10 pounds – $250 to $450
• 10 to 15 pounds – $350 to $700
• Over 15 pounds – $500 to $1,000+

Larger king crabs over 20 pounds can exceed $1,000. A smaller 5-8 pound crab for 2-4 people runs $150-$300. Expect to spend at least $250 for a special occasion crab serving 4-6.

Estimated Cost Per Serving

Figuring approximately 1 pound of king crab legs per serving, the per person cost is:

• 5-8 pound crab (4-6 servings): $25 to $75 per serving
• 10-15 pound crab (8-12 servings): $30 to $90 per serving

Ordering a 10 pound king crab for $500 for a dinner party of 8 would make each serving around $60.

Tips for Finding the Best Deal

Here are some tips for getting king crab at the lowest price:

• Check prices at high-volume seafood markets for deals in bulk or by the cluster.

• Look for specials during peak harvest seasons in fall and winter.

• Buy frozen legs to enjoy king crab outside peak season at lower prices.

• Purchase cooked crab for convenience without the extra cooking costs.

• Buy from online retailers that ship directly from Alaskan fisheries.

• Split larger crabs by portioning legs and meat for multiple meals.

• Supplement with side dishes to stretch expensive crab.

Is Splurging on King Crab Worth It?

While undeniably expensive, king crab remains one of the most prized seafood treats for special occasions and indulgent experiences. The unbeatable sweetness and delicate texture simply can’t be replicated by other crab varieties. The price reflects the risky, labor intensive harvest required to grace your table with these behemoths. For memorable feasts, king crab is a worthwhile splurge.

When buying an entire king crab, carefully consider the size needed for your gathering. Understand how seasonal availability and proximity to Alaskan waters impacts pricing to get the best deal. While not an everyday purchase, savoring royal king crab is a bucket list experience for any seafood lover.