How Much Does Crab Cost? A Detailed Breakdown of Crab Prices

Crab is one of the most coveted and expensive shellfish in the seafood market. With its sweet succulent meat and versatile preparations it’s no wonder crab is a luxury item on many menus. But with so many types of crab and factors impacting the retail price, it can be hard to pin down exactly how much crab costs.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the prices for different kinds of crab so you know what to expect to pay. Whether you’re splurging on fresh king crab legs for a special occasion or just want budget-friendly canned crab for weeknight meals, we’ve got you covered

Key Factors That Influence Crab Prices

Several key factors impact the retail cost per pound for crab:

Species

• King, snow, and Dungeness – The largest and most prized crabs demand the highest prices per pound. Expect to pay a premium for these.

• Blue crabs, stone crabs, Jonah crabs – Smaller regional crabs are more affordable options.

Size

• Jumbo or colossal – The biggest, heaviest crabs cost the most per pound. Going rate can exceed $50/lb.

• Medium and large – Still pricey but less than huge crab Expect $30-$50/lb

• Petite or small – The smallest crabs under a pound are most budget-friendly. Often under $20/lb.

Grade

• Heavy or #1 – Top grades with highest meat content cost more.

• Light or #2 – Lower grades with less meat per pound save money.

Source

• Wild-caught local – Fresh crab from regional fisheries is premium price.

• Imported frozen – Crab shipped longer distances costs less.

Preparation

• Live – Most expensive per pound but freshest. You pay for whole crab.

• Fresh meat – Picked crabmeat costs more since it’s ready to eat.

• Frozen legs or sections – Pre-cooked parts cost less than fresh.

Seasonality

• Peak season – Limited availability when freshly caught.

• Out of season – Prices drop when previously frozen inventory used.

Live Crab Prices Per Pound

Getting freshly caught, uncooked live crab is the ultimate luxury. You’ll pay a premium for the labor-intensive process of trapping crabs plus their short shelf life. Expect per crab prices around:

• Dungeness crab – $15 to $45 each
• King crab – $30 to $60 each
• Blue crab – $2 to $6 each

A bushel of live Dungeness (4 dozen) can run $400 to $600. Per-crab cost depends heavily on size. Jumbo crabs exceeding 2 pounds cost the most. Per-pound price for whole live crabs is higher than buying cooked crab meat since you pay for shells. But fans say the amazing flavor and experience makes it worthwhile for special occasions.

Fresh Crab Meat Prices

For picked crabmeat ready to eat, freshness comes at a cost. Based on the source, you’ll typically pay:

• Jumbo lump – $40 to $60 per pound
• Lump meat – $30 to $50 per pound
• Backfin or claw – $15 to $25 per pound

Lump meat from body sections costs more than shredded leg or body meat. Hand-picked jumbo lump crab is the most covetable and expensive type of fresh crab.

Canned Crab Meat Prices

For an affordable crab fix year-round, canned crab allows enjoying the sweet flavor at a fraction of fresh prices:

• Jumbo lump – $18 to $30 per 6-8 oz can
• Lump meat – $12 to $18 per can
• Claw and backfin meat – $5 to $12 per can

Jumbo lump commands around a 100% premium over cheaper blended claw/leg meat. watch for sales around the holidays when demand is high.

Frozen Crab Legs and Sections Cost

Pre-cooked frozen crab legs provide budget-friendly convenience. Just thaw and serve. Depending on species, expect frozen prices per pound around:

• King crab – $15 to $30 per pound
• Snow crab – $8 to $15 per pound
• Dungeness – $10 to $18 per pound

Larger king crab legs are premium. Smaller snow crab clusters cost a bit less. Frozen legs allow enjoying real crab flavor at lower price points.

Whole Cooked Crab Prices

For an impressive presentation at a moderate price, whole pre-cooked crabs are perfect. Based on size, prices typically range:

• Small (4 inches) – $4 to $10 each
• Medium (5-6 inches) – $10 to $20 each
• Large (7-8 inches) – $15 to $30 each

You’ll pay a premium for jumbo crab exceeding 2 pounds, but overall less per pound than for live crab. Cooked crabs offer convenience without the huge live crab price tag.

Buying Crab in Bulk on a Budget

To maximize value, buying crab in bulk often saves up to 20% compared to small quantities. Watch for deals like:

• Frozen combo packs
• Case discounts at warehouses
• Direct from local fishermen

Buying by the bushel around the holidays and peak season when inventory abounds allows bargain prices on large amounts of crab.

Is Splurging on Crab Worth the Price?

Without a doubt, fresh wild crab boasts an undeniable sweetness and delicate flavor that seafood lovers crave. Large snow crab legs and buttery chunks of jumbo lump meat stand apart and command premium pricing.

Yet for everyday meals, budget-friendly options like canned crab and smaller snow crab allow enjoying the flavors without breaking the bank. With some strategic shopping and savvy meal planning, crab can suit a variety of budgets. Prioritize crab for special occasions or scale portions to fit your wallet.

The price of 1 lb of Dungeness crab meat can vary, but it generally ranges from $50 to $70.

Two pounds of crab is generally considered a substantial amount, especially for a single person. It’s often the recommended serving size for King Crab legs, and while some might be able to eat more, it’s typically enough for a satisfying meal.

One pound of crab translates to roughly 16 ounces. The exact amount of meat you get from a pound of crab will vary depending on the type of crab and how it’s prepared.