What factor contributes to King Crab being significantly more expensive than Dungeness or Snow crabs?

The difficulty and danger involved in harvesting them from deep, cold waters.

The high cost associated with King Crab is directly linked to the hazardous nature of their harvesting operations. These crustaceans are retrieved from the icy, deep waters of the North Pacific, primarily Alaska, which involves significant logistical challenges and inherent risks for the fishers. Although King Crab legs are packed with rich, sweet meat and present an impressive visual display often associated with luxury seafood, the operational costs of extraction and the resulting higher retail price reflect these difficulties. Furthermore, while the legs are substantial, a large portion of the overall weight is shell, meaning the actual meat yield relative to the massive size might be less efficient than expected compared to fully-bodied crabs.