For many American households preparing to host loved ones this holiday season, there is finally some good financial news: the cost of preparing a classic Thanksgiving feast has dropped once again. According to the latest Thanksgiving Dinner Cost Survey from the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), families planning a celebration for ten will spend an average of $55.18, marking a 5% decline from 2024 and continuing a three-year streak of decreasing holiday meal expenses.

This relief comes after Americans experienced record-high Thanksgiving food prices in 2022, when the average cost soared to $64.05. The steady decline since then reflects shifting market conditions, changing consumer demand, and a gradual stabilization of some agricultural sectors.

Turkey Prices Lead the Decline

The turkey, the centerpiece of Thanksgiving tables nationwide, played the biggest role in driving down overall meal costs. A 16-pound frozen turkey now sells for an average of $21.50 — about $1.34 per pound, representing a 16% drop compared to last year. Although wholesale prices for fresh turkeys increased, retail stores have aggressively discounted frozen turkeys in an effort to boost seasonal sales and attract shoppers.

AFBF economists note that turkey flocks continue to recover after significant losses caused by avian influenza in previous years. Combined with slower consumer demand, this rebound helped stabilize prices and made turkey more affordable heading into the holiday.

What’s on the Farm Bureau Shopping List?

Since 1986, the AFBF has surveyed volunteer shoppers across all 50 states and Puerto Rico using the same shopping list. This ensures consistent historical comparisons on how much it costs to prepare a traditional Thanksgiving spread for ten.

The list typically includes:

• Frozen turkey

  
  
  

• Cubed stuffing

• Sweet potatoes

• Dinner rolls

• Fresh cranberries

• Frozen peas

  
  
  

• Pumpkin pie mix and pie crusts

• Whipping cream

• Whole milk

• Carrots and celery for a veggie tray

  
  
  

This year, four major items dropped in price: turkey, cubed stuffing, dinner rolls, and fresh cranberries. Pumpkin pie mix and pie crusts remained relatively stable.

Fresh Produce Sees Steep Price Surges

While the main course and several sides became more affordable, families will notice higher prices on certain fresh ingredients. Sweet potatoes surged by 37%, and the cost of a simple veggie tray — usually one of the cheapest items — spiked over 61%. Milk and whipping cream also saw notable increases.

Farmers attribute these hikes to rising input costs, including fertilizer, machinery, diesel prices, labor shortages, and land expenses. Extreme weather further complicated the season; North Carolina, the nation’s top producer of sweet potatoes, suffered severe agricultural losses after Hurricane Helene.

Expanded Thanksgiving Menu Costs More

To reflect evolving holiday traditions, the AFBF also calculates the cost of an expanded menu that includes boneless ham, Russet potatoes, and frozen green beans. Adding these items raises the overall cost of a Thanksgiving meal to $77.09, an increase of more than $21 from the classic menu.

Regional Differences Remain Significant

Food prices varied sharply by region. The South recorded the lowest average cost for the traditional dinner at $50.01, while the West remained the most expensive at $61.75. For families adding items from the expanded menu, Southern households again enjoyed the lowest total cost, while Western states saw the highest prices.

Despite these fluctuations, AFBF President Zippy Duvall emphasized the importance of supporting farmers, especially as the agricultural sector continues to face economic pressure. He noted that the U.S. lost more than 15,000 farms last year due to high production costs and persistently low crop prices.

FAQ Section

1. Why is Thanksgiving dinner cheaper in 2025?
Lower turkey prices, improved flock recovery, and grocery store discounts helped bring down the overall cost.

2. Did all food items decrease in price?
No. While turkey, stuffing, rolls, and cranberries became cheaper, items like sweet potatoes, fresh vegetables, whole milk, and whipping cream increased.

3. How much is the average cost of a Thanksgiving meal in 2025?
A classic dinner for ten costs $55.18, or about $5.52 per person.

4. Which region has the cheapest Thanksgiving meal?
The South, where the traditional Thanksgiving dinner costs an average of $50.01.

5. Why did sweet potato prices increase sharply?
Hurricane Helene caused significant crop damage in North Carolina, which produces nearly half of the nation’s sweet potatoes.