Thanksgiving Dinner Costs Decline for Third Straight Year, Farm Bureau Survey Shows

WASHINGTON — Cooking a Thanksgiving dinner for 10 people will cost less this year, marking the third consecutive year of price declines, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation’s (AFBF) 40th annual survey.

The average cost of a classic holiday feast is $55.18, or about $5.52 per person, down 5% from 2024. While prices have eased, they remain higher than pre-pandemic levels, following a record-high of $64.05 in 2022.

The centerpiece of most Thanksgiving tables — the turkey — saw the sharpest drop. A 16-pound frozen bird averages $21.50, or $1.34 per pound, down more than 16% from last year. Grocery stores are offering holiday promotions to boost demand, further lowering retail prices.

AFBF volunteer shoppers collected prices during the first week of November across all 50 states and Puerto Rico. USDA data shows turkey prices declined even more in the second week of November as stores rolled out seasonal discounts.

“It’s encouraging to see some relief in the price of turkeys, as it is typically the most expensive part of the meal,” said AFBF Economist Faith Parum, Ph.D.

While half of the survey’s ingredients declined in price — including stuffing mix and dinner rolls — fresh produce costs surged. Sweet potatoes rose 37%, and veggie trays jumped 61%, largely due to hurricane damage in North Carolina, supply chain disruptions, and farm labor shortages.

AFBF President Zippy Duvall noted that despite modest declines, food affordability remains a concern. “We lost 15,000 farms last year because of historically low crop prices, high supply costs and trade uncertainty,” he said. “Every farm lost is another step toward consolidation and reliance on other countries for our food.”

The expanded menu, which includes boneless ham, Russet potatoes and frozen green beans, raises the total cost to $77.09.

Key Points

• Turkey prices dropped more than 16%, helping lower overall meal costs.
• Fresh produce costs surged, with sweet potatoes up 37% and veggie trays up 61%.
• Regional differences show the South has the lowest average meal cost at $50.01.