Carrots are one of the most affordable vegetables, but their price can fluctuate depending on where you shop, whether they’re organic, and if you buy them whole, baby-cut, or pre-sliced.
Let’s break down the average cost of carrots in 2024, compare pricing for different types (conventional vs. organic), and even take a quick look at how much carrots cost around the world.
Average Cost of Carrots in the U.S. (2024)
Type of Carrot |
Average Price (per pound) |
|---|---|
Whole Carrots (Conventional) |
$0.80 – $1.20 |
Baby Carrots (Conventional) |
$1.50 – $2.50 |
Organic Whole Carrots |
$1.50 – $2.00 |
Organic Baby Carrots |
$2.50 – $3.50 |
Pre-Sliced or Shredded Carrots |
$2.00 – $3.00 |
Price Per Bag (Common Sizes)
Bag Size |
Conventional Price |
Organic Price |
|---|---|---|
1 lb bag |
$1 – $2 |
$1.50 – $3 |
2 lb bag |
$2 – $3.50 |
$3 – $5 |
5 lb bag (bulk) |
$4 – $6 |
$6 – $9 |
Baby carrots and pre-sliced carrots tend to cost more per pound because of the extra processing and packaging.
Carrot Prices Over Time (Historical)
Year |
Average Price per Pound (Conventional) |
|---|---|
2024 |
$0.80 – $1.20 |
2020 |
$0.75 – $1.00 |
2015 |
$0.65 – $0.85 |
2010 |
$0.50 – $0.70 |
2000 |
$0.35 – $0.50 |
Even with inflation, carrots remain one of the cheapest fresh vegetables.
How Much Do Carrots Cost in Other Countries?
Country |
Average Price per Pound (USD equivalent) |
|---|---|
United States |
$0.80 – $1.20 |
Canada |
$1.00 – $1.50 |
United Kingdom |
$0.90 – $1.30 |
Australia |
$1.00 – $1.40 |
India |
$0.30 – $0.60 |
$1.50 – $2.00 |
|
Germany |
$0.90 – $1.50 |
In developed countries, carrots generally hover around $1 per pound, while prices are lower in countries where carrots are locally farmed year-round.
Factors That Affect Carrot Prices
- Organic vs. Conventional – Organic carrots cost about 50% more than conventional.
- Season – Carrots are cheaper in peak harvest seasons (fall and winter).
- Pre-cut vs. Whole – Baby carrots and shredded carrots cost more per pound than whole.
- Location – Prices are higher in cities and lower in rural farming areas.
- Store Type – Grocery chains like Walmart and Aldi have lower prices than specialty organic stores.
Carrots at Farmers Markets
Farmers market carrots, especially heirloom varieties, can cost more:
- Conventional: $1.50 – $2.50 per pound
- Organic Heirloom: $2.50 – $4.00 per pound
The trade-off is often fresher, locally-grown produce with unique varieties you won’t find at big grocery stores.
Cost Breakdown: Cooking with Carrots
If you’re budgeting for recipes, here’s how much carrot-heavy dishes cost in carrots alone:
Dish |
Average Carrots Needed |
Estimated Cost (Conventional) |
|---|---|---|
Carrot Soup (serves 4) |
1.5 lbs |
$1.20 |
Roasted Carrots (side dish for 4) |
1 lb |
$0.80 |
Carrot Cake (1 large cake) |
2 cups shredded (about 3/4 lb) |
$0.60 |
Ways to Save Money on Carrots
- Buy Whole Carrots – They are cheaper than baby carrots.
- Buy in Bulk – 5 lb bags are usually cheaper per pound.
- Shop in Season – Carrots are often on sale in fall and winter.
- Skip Pre-cut Options – Shredded and matchstick carrots cost more due to processing fees.
- Use Frozen Carrots for Cooking – They’re often cheaper than fresh and already prepped.
Final Thoughts
Carrots remain one of the most budget-friendly vegetables, typically costing less than $1 per pound if you buy whole and conventional. Even organic carrots, while more expensive, are relatively affordable compared to many other organic vegetables.
Do you prefer whole carrots, baby carrots, or pre-sliced? How much do carrots cost where you shop? Share your thoughts in the comments.
For real-world grocery pricing insights, bookmark CostHowMuch.com.
