How Much Is a Bushel of Crabs? (Before You Buy)
A bushel of crabs usually costs between $250 and $600 in 2026, depending on size, gender, and where you buy. Small crabs start around $250, medium runs $295 to $350, large $395 to $450, and jumbo can reach $600 or more.
Prices change weekly with demand, season, and local supply. Buying dockside or from a seafood market is almost always cheaper than a restaurant.
Average Price for a Bushel of Crabs
What a bushel of male blue crabs typically costs by size in 2026.
| Crab size | Price per bushel | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Small (5 to 5.5 in) | $200 to $250 | Picking, soups, big groups |
| Medium (5.5 to 6 in) | $295 to $350 | Most popular all-rounder |
| Large (6 to 6.5 in) | $395 to $450 | A meaty crab feast |
| Jumbo (6.5+ in) | $450 to $600+ | Special occasions |
Prices usually rise in early summer when demand peaks, then often drop in late summer and early fall when crabs are plentiful. Female crabs are usually cheaper than males of the same size. When crabs are plentiful. Female crabs are usually cheaper than males of the same size.
How Much Does a Half Bushel Cost?
A half bushel typically costs $150 to $300, roughly half the price of a full bushel. It holds about 3 to 4 dozen crabs depending on size, enough for 4 to 6 people.
Bushel Prices by Region (2026)
Where you buy makes a big difference.
- Maryland and Chesapeake Bay. $250 to $450+. The most famous, and often priciest, blue crabs, especially large and jumbo grades.
- Louisiana and Gulf Coast. $200 to $300. Often more affordable thanks to a large local harvest.
- Texas Gulf. $180 to $280. Among the cheaper regions when crabs are in season.
- Online with shipping. Expect extra for packing and overnight delivery. Local pickup is almost always better value.
Why Are Crabs So Expensive?
Prices have climbed for several reasons.
- Limited wild catch. Stricter conservation rules cap how many crabs can be harvested, keeping supply tight.
- Rising fuel and transport costs. Getting crabs from the water to your table costs more than it used to. Some Chesapeake watermen report fuel and bait costs up 20 percent in a single season.
- High seasonal demand. Summer crab feasts push prices up when everyone wants them at once.
- Weather dependence. A storm or cold snap can shrink supply and spike prices fast, sometimes 25 to 50 percent within days.
- Labor and prep. Steamed and seasoned crabs from a retail crab house cost noticeably more than the same crabs bought live.
Tips for Buying Crabs at the Best Price
- Buy in season. Crabs are cheapest and meatiest from late summer into early fall. Avoid the early-season price spike.
- Compare dockside vs market. Buying straight from the dock or a local seafood market usually beats restaurant and online prices.
- Check they are alive and active. Live, lively crabs mean freshness. Sluggish or dead crabs are a bad sign.
- Match size to the use. Smaller crabs suit picking and soups. Save the pricey jumbos for a centerpiece feast.
- Buy local. Local crabs skip the shipping cost and arrive fresher than national distributors.
Conclusion
A bushel of crabs costs about $250 to $600 in 2026, with small crabs near $250 and jumbo grades reaching $600 or more. A half bushel runs $150 to $300 and feeds 4 to 6 people.
Buy in season, compare local sellers, and check for lively crabs to get the best value. Prices shift weekly, so confirm with your vendor before you order.
Frequently Asked Questions
A: Roughly 60 to 90 crabs, about 6 to 7 dozen, depending on size. Smaller crabs mean more per bushel.
A: A: Comfortably 4 to 6 people at a crab feast, especially with sides.
A: Roughly 4 to 8 pounds after cleaning and picking, though this varies a lot with crab size and how heavy they are.
