Meat prices in the United States fluctuate monthly based on supply chain conditions, feed costs, seasonal demand, and regional market dynamics. Whether you are planning a backyard cookout, stocking your freezer for the winter, or simply trying to feed your family on a budget, knowing what meat actually costs right now helps you make smarter decisions at the grocery store.
This page tracks current retail prices for beef, pork, poultry, and eggs across the United States, sourced directly from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Every price you see below updates automatically as the BLS releases new monthly data. You can click through to any individual cut for detailed price trends, regional comparisons, cooking tips, and buying advice.
🥩 Beef Prices
| Cut | Current Price | vs Last Month | vs Last Year | 12-Mo Trend | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Uncooked Beef Steaks | $12.73/lb | ▼ 0.1% | ▲ 14.5% | View Details → | |
| Chuck Roast (USDA Choice) | $8.83/lb | ▼ 1.4% | ▲ 10.7% | View Details → | |
| All Uncooked Ground Beef | $6.86/lb | ▼ 0.5% | ▲ 11.7% | View Details → | |
| Ground Beef (100% Beef) | $6.70/lb | ▼ 0.6% | ▲ 15.5% | View Details → |
All prices are U.S. national averages from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, updated monthly. Prices last updated: April 20, 2026
🥓 Pork Prices
| Cut | Current Price | vs Last Month | vs Last Year | 12-Mo Trend | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bacon (Sliced) | $6.80/lb | ▼ 1.5% | ▼ 3.0% | View Details → | |
| All Pork Chops | $4.18/lb | ▼ 0.2% | ▼ 1.5% | View Details → |
All prices are U.S. national averages from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, updated monthly. Prices last updated: April 20, 2026
🍗 Poultry & Egg Prices
| Cut | Current Price | vs Last Month | vs Last Year | 12-Mo Trend | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken Breast (Boneless) | $1.74/lb | ▲ 1.9% | ▼ 2.8% | View Details → | |
| Whole Chicken | $2.03/lb | ▼ 0.8% | ▼ 1.3% | View Details → | |
| Eggs (Grade A, Large) | $2.35/doz | ▼ 6.1% | ▼ 54.2% | View Details → |
All prices are U.S. national averages from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, updated monthly. Prices last updated: April 20, 2026
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Understanding Meat Prices by Category
Beef remains the most expensive major protein category, with prices heavily influenced by cattle herd sizes, feed grain costs, and export demand. Premium steak cuts like ribeye and tenderloin command the highest prices, while ground beef and chuck roast offer more affordable options for everyday cooking. Click any cut in the tables above for the full price history, regional breakdown, and buying tips.
Pork generally offers better value per pound than beef, with more consistent pricing throughout the year. Bacon is the exception, as it carries a premium due to processing costs and consistently high consumer demand. Pork chops, shoulder roasts, and ham provide excellent protein value across a range of budgets and cooking methods.
Chicken is typically the most affordable meat protein available, making it the backbone of budget-conscious meal planning. Egg prices have seen significant volatility in recent years due to avian influenza outbreaks affecting layer flocks. Both chicken and eggs deliver excellent nutritional value relative to their cost.
More From Price of Meat
Get the most from your meat budget with our guides on selecting cuts, smart buying strategies, and recipes that turn affordable proteins into standout meals.
How to Save Money on Meat in Any Season
Beef prices typically climb from May through September as grilling season drives demand. Pork tends to be cheapest in the fall after summer processing peaks. Poultry remains the most price-stable protein year-round, making chicken breast and whole chickens reliable budget anchors for weekly meal planning.
Buying during low-price windows and freezing properly can cut your annual meat budget by 20-30%. Vacuum-sealed steaks maintain quality for 6-12 months in a chest freezer. Ground beef freezes well for 3-4 months. Whole chickens are often 40-50% cheaper per pound than boneless breasts.
Regional price differences matter more than most people realize. The spread between the cheapest and most expensive region can exceed 15-20% for some cuts. If you live near cattle-producing areas in the Midwest or South, you typically pay less for beef than shoppers in the Northeast or West Coast.
Chuck eye steaks deliver flavor comparable to ribeye at half the price. Pork shoulder roasts cost a fraction of pork chops and produce incredible pulled pork. Chicken thighs outperform breasts in most recipes while costing significantly less. Check the price tables above to compare.
Breaking down a whole chicken yourself takes about 10 minutes and saves 40-50% compared to buying individual parts. Pair that with our Wild Game Cookbook for recipes that turn affordable cuts into impressive meals.
All price data sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Average Price program. Prices are collected monthly from approximately 75 urban areas and represent average retail prices paid by consumers. Data updates automatically as new BLS figures are released. Regional breakdowns follow U.S. Census Bureau region definitions (Northeast, Midwest, South, West).