Wondering how much lobster costs per pound in 2026? Maine lobster prices vary seasonally, but live lobsters average $12–$15/lb, with lobster tails starting around $29/lb. This guide breaks down retail vs wholesale costs, historical lobster prices, and the best ways to save.
Lobster is a popular luxury food item among seafood lovers, and lobster prices per pound have reached a ten-year high due to increased demand. Live lobster prices can be volatile and fluctuate based on seasonality, location, and market demand
Understanding today’s lobster prices requires context about this luxury seafood’s remarkable price journey. What costs $13-15 per pound today was once so abundant that it sold for mere pennies in the 1800s. This dramatic transformation from “poor man’s protein” to premium delicacy explains why lobster commands such high prices in modern markets.
How Much Does Lobster Really Cost?
Historical U.S. Retail Lobster Prices
Interactive chart of estimated retail prices (USD per lb) using historical context from your report. Hover/tap for exact values.
Live lobster prices vary depending on the time of year, market conditions, and supplier. In March 2023, the average price for live Maine lobster was around $13–$15 per pound, with lobster tails typically falling between $29.99 and $32.99.
How Lobsters Went Gourmet – and Prices Went Up
At one point in history, lobster was considered a commonplace food and even looked down upon as a meal for the poor. In 1622, the governor of the old Massachusetts territory, which is now known as Maine, apologized to a group of settlers, informing them that he could only provide a meal consisting of lobster.
Explorer Magellan even wrote in his diary that lobsters were abundant in the waters and were “as thick as molasses”. Lobstermen at the time earned less than two pennies per pound, and some who ate lobster at home would hide the evidence for fear their neighbors would see that they had to eat lobster.
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On sale
Live Lobster – 3 lb$94.00 -
On sale
Live Lobster – 2 Pound$78.95
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On sale
Live Lobster – 1.5 Pounds$58.00
Workers would also go on strike to protest being served lobster more than a few times a week. Lobsters were so plentiful that they were often fed to prisoners, and when there was an excess, the crustaceans were crushed and used as fertilizer. It’s a shame to have wasted such a precious delicacy! For the full cultural arc from ‘poor man’s food’ to luxury icon, see our complete history of lobster.
Hard-Shell Lobsters Cost More: The hardness of the shell dictates the price of the lobster.
From Poverty Food to Luxury: The Price Evolution
The transformation of lobster from “cockroach of the sea” to luxury dining wasn’t just cultural—it was deeply economic. While our complete lobster history reveals the fascinating cultural journey from ancient Egyptian royalty to colonial poverty food, the price story tells an equally dramatic tale.
The Economic Timeline:
- 1850s: Canned lobster cost around $0.11 per pound—cheaper than Boston baked beans at $0.53/lb
- 1920s: Lobster reached peak luxury status during the Roaring Twenties, with prices reflecting its high-society appeal
- 1930s: Great Depression caused luxury prices to plummet as few could afford such indulgences
- Post-WWII: Economic prosperity drove sustained price increases that continued through 2016
The Numbers Behind the Transformation:
What makes lobster’s price evolution remarkable isn’t just the cultural shift—it’s the mathematical progression from literal pennies per pound to today’s $15+ retail prices. This represents one of the most dramatic food price transformations in American history.
For detailed year-by-year price data from the 1800s through 2016, including landing prices, retail markups, and economic factors that drove these changes, see our comprehensive Historical Lobster Price Analysis.
Maine Lobster Meat Price Per Pound – Market Comparison
2026 Retail Lobster Prices (Quick Compare)
| Source | Live Price (per lb) | Tail Price (per lb) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| LobsterAnywhere.com | $$ · market | $$$ · market | Shore-to-door overnight delivery; cold-water Maine/Canadian. Deals vary by size & season. |
| Local Fish Market | $$ · market | $$$ · market | Fresh selection varies; ask about hard vs soft-shell. |
| Grocery Store | $$ · market | $$$ · market | Holiday promos common; check origin & glaze on frozen tails. |
| Online Marketplaces | $$–$$$ | $$$–$$$$ | Quality/sizing may vary; review guarantees & packing. |
Retail Vs Wholesale Pricing
The cost of lobster meat sold in retail usually differs based on the time of year and the level of demand, with the average price per pound landing between $35 and $120.
On the other hand, wholesale prices are generally lower since they target buyers who purchase in large quantities, such as seafood markets and restaurants. Regardless, comparing prices from various sources is essential to get the most favorable deal.
Large buyers like restaurants and caterers often see lower wholesale rates; if you’re ordering for a crowd, explore bulk lobster orders for better delivered pricing.
Live Vs Whole Lobster Price Breakdown
When you decide to purchase lobster, you have the option to choose between live lobsters or preprocessed lobster meat. The price of live lobsters can be significantly less than that of lobster meat, depending mostly on the type and origin of the lobster.
For instance, the price of live whole lobsters may range between $35 and $50 per pound, while lobster tail meat may cost between $55 and $75 per pound.
Compare retail and wholesale costs, and consider buying fresh lobster meat if you want zero cracking and consistent yields.
The Average Cost of Live Maine Lobster by Weight
The price of live Maine lobsters typically fluctuates based on their weight, with an average price of $26.72 per pound. This price can vary with changes in supply and demand, so it’s essential to stay up-to-date with the latest market data.
Prices vary by size and season; see our overview of live lobster sizes & weights to choose the right category.
The Average Cost of Maine Lobster Tails by Weight
Lobster tails are often more expensive than whole live lobsters because they are more convenient and easier to prepare. Typically, a lobster tail weighing between 6 and 7 ounces can cost around $35.73, with ours going for $29.95, with the option for a quantity discount.
However, the price may vary based on several factors, such as the source and method of catch, among others.
A best Maine lobster tails guide can help you pick the right size; and if you’re prepping at home, learn how to butterfly lobster tails for even cooking.
Warm Water, Global Warming Impacts Lobster Prices
Climate change has impacted the lobster industry, causing changes in lobster populations, migration patterns, and market prices. Due to warmer waters, the lobster population is moving towards colder areas, affecting supply and demand.
This shift has increased prices for consumers who live farther away from the new habitats. Learn how changing ocean temps affect supply, sustainability, and pricing in our Maine lobster sustainability overview.
COVID-19 and Its Impact on the Price of Lobster
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a significant disruption in the global lobster trade due to decreased demand from restaurants and export markets. This has resulted in a significant drop in lobster prices, making it more affordable for budget-conscious consumers.
As demand patterns return, check current online lobster prices for today’s delivered value.
How to Get the Best Price for Live Lobsters
Buy larger quantities: When buying larger amounts online, you can often get discounts compared to buying at local supermarkets.
Crack it yourself: Opening hard-shell lobsters can be challenging, which is why the cost of pre-shelled whole claws or legs is often high. However, if you take some time to learn how to crack open a whole lobster yourself, you can save money and even have fun sitting around the table, cracking open lobsters together.
Pay attention to the season: The lobster season affects prices. If you want to save a little money, schedule your fancy dinner in the off-season.
Buy from a dedicated lobster source: If you want to buy lobsters at a good price, it’s best to buy from retailers who are close to where the lobsters are caught and have access to large quantities. Avoid tourist hotspots as they tend to have higher prices. Instead, try shopping where the locals do. Check out the seafood market at local grocery stores for lower prices on lobsters.
Cook it at home: Going to a restaurant will always result in premium prices. You’ll pay at least double the price of what the restaurant paid for your lobster. By cooking lobster yourself, you are guaranteed to save money.
Use all of it: Once you have invested in a quality, whole lobster, be sure to use every part of it to get your money’s worth. Buy Lobster Meat Instead: Although cracking open your own lobster can be a unique experience, purchasing lobster meat is a more cost-effective option. Consider this: about 20% of the lobster’s weight comes from the shell. To obtain a pound of lobster meat, you would need a little over four 1 1/2 lb. live lobsters.
2024 Lobster Price Comparison by Source
| Source Type | Live Lobster (per lb) | Lobster Tail (6-8oz) | Notes |
| Supermarket | $16-20 | $35-45 | Highest markup, limited selection |
| Local Fish Market | $13-16 | $28-35 | Better prices, fresher product |
| Online Direct | $11-15 | $25-32 | Best prices, shipped fresh |
| Restaurant | $25-35 | $45-60 | Prepared, highest cost |
Money-saving tip: Online direct-from-source purchases often provide the best value, especially for larger quantities.
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On sale
Lobster MeatFrom $79.00
Frequently Asked Lobster Price Questions
What Time of Year Are Lobster Prices the Best?
Lobster prices fluctuate due to availability and demand. Late spring and early summer are the best times to buy as lobsters become more active and prices drop. See our guide on what’s the best time to buy lobster.
What Is the Most Expensive Part of a Lobster?
The lobster tail is the most expensive part due to its tenderness and flavor. It can account for almost half of the lobster’s total weight and is easier to cook than other parts. Learn more about the different parts of a Maine lobster.
What Size Lobster Tastes Best?
Smaller lobsters are believed to have a sweeter flavor and are preferred by many connoisseurs. They weigh around 1.5 to 2 pounds and have more tender and succulent meat. Larger lobsters may have a slightly tougher texture. However, personal preference may vary.
How big a Lobster Do I need for 2 People?
Consider the meal’s nature and appetites to serve two people with lobster. A 3-4 pound lobster is suitable for a main course, but if served with other dishes, opt for a more undersized lobster or individual portions from a larger lobster.
When did lobster become expensive historically?
Lobster’s transformation from cheap protein to luxury item began in the late 1800s with railway expansion allowing inland distribution. The most dramatic price increases occurred post-World War II, with retail prices rising from under $1 per pound in the 1950s to over $12 per pound by 2016. This 150-year price evolution reflects changing American tastes and economic prosperity.
How do current lobster prices compare to historical costs?
Today’s lobster prices of $13-15/lb represent the continuation of a long-term trend. Adjusted for inflation, current prices are actually reasonable compared to lobster’s peak luxury pricing in the 1920s, though dramatically higher than the “poverty food” era of the 1800s when lobster cost mere pennies per pound.
What drives lobster price fluctuations today vs historically?
While historical price changes were driven by cultural shifts and economic events (Great Depression, WWII), today’s fluctuations are more influenced by environmental factors (climate change, water temperatures), fishing regulations, seasonal availability, and global supply chain disruptions like COVID-19.
The Bottom Line on Lobster Costs in 2026
So, how much do lobsters cost? The answer is a bit like the tides, constantly changing. From historical lowly beginnings to their current status as a sought-after luxury, today’s lobster prices of $15+ per pound represent the culmination of an extraordinary 200-year journey.
The Forces That Shape Lobster Prices:
Lobster prices are subject to a sea of influences—from environmental factors like climate change and global events like the COVID-19 pandemic to seasonal availability and fishing regulations. The cost can vary significantly, whether you prefer the tender tail or the challenge of cracking it open yourself.
Key takeaways for smart lobster buying:
- Timing matters: Buy in late spring/early summer for best prices
- Source strategically: Online direct purchases often beat retail markups
- Consider alternatives: Lobster meat can be more cost-effective than whole lobsters
- Plan ahead: Understanding seasonal patterns helps budget for special occasions
The Complete Story:
- Cultural Journey: Discover how lobster transformed from prisoner food to luxury symbol
- Price Evolution: See the detailed economic data behind this transformation
- Modern Market: Understand today’s pricing factors and seasonal patterns
But with a few tips and tricks, you can navigate the lobster market and indulge in this culinary delight without feeling the pinch. This dual perspective—cultural and economic—helps explain why lobster commands such high prices today and provides context for making smart purchasing decisions in 2026’s market. Bon appétit!
Ready to compare today’s live Maine lobster prices? Shop direct from the source and enjoy our Happy Cracking Guarantee.
If lobster weight is 20% shell, why does it take 6 lbs of lobster to get 1 lb of meat?
Yes, the shell weight is about 20% depending on the time of the year. The lobster will have water weight, plus the sac, tomalley, roe and other stuff.
A 1.5 lb. whole lobster will yield about 4-5 ounces of meat. So it might take about 4-5 lobsters to yield a pound of meat. Learn about how much meat is in a lobster.