Thanksgiving dinner to cost Americans less this year

Thanksgiving dinner cost overview: 

• Who: The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) says an informal survey it conducted found the average cost of a Thanksgiving dinner this year for a family of 10 is $61.17, a decrease of 4.5% from last year. 
• Why: The biggest factor is the average price of turkey, which dropped 5.6% from last year for a total of $27.35, or $1.71 per pound, according to the AFBF. 
• Where: Cheaper prices for Thanksgiving dinner affect consumers nationwide.

A Thanksgiving dinner with 12 items for 10 people will cost consumers an average of $61.17 this year, a decrease of 4.5% from a record high average of $64.05 last year, according to an informal survey from the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF). 

While less than last year, the average price for Thanksgiving dinner is still 25% higher than in 2019, before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the AFBF. 

“While shoppers will see a slight improvement in the cost of a Thanksgiving dinner, high inflation continues to hammer families across the country, including the nation’s farmers,” AFBF President Zippy Duvall says in a statement. 

The biggest factor in the cheaper price tag this year is the cost of turkey, which, at an average cost of $27.35, reportedly dropped 5.6% in price from last year. 

USDA attributes turkey price decrease to avian bird flu control

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) says it expects turkey prices to drop even further as the holidays come closer and stores implement promotions and discounts, CNN reports. 

The USDA also attributed the decrease in turkey prices with an attempt to control the spread of avian bird flu. 

The AFBF’s informal survey incorporated the average price of turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, rolls with butter, peas, cranberries, a veggie tray and pumpkin pie with whipped cream needed to feed a family of 10 while providing leftovers of each item. 

An expanded menu also included the price of boneless ham, Russet potatoes and frozen green beans, which added $23.58 for a final total of $84.75, according to the AFBF. 

Last year, turkey prices were expected to increase due to inflation and an outbreak of avian bird flu. 

How much do you plan on spending for Thanksgiving dinner this year? Let us know in the comments.

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