Many of us will soon be heading to the grocery store to gather ingredients for Thanksgiving dinner, and there’s some good news: food costs for this year’s meal are down compared to 2024.

Planning a Stress-Free Thanksgiving

It may be hard to believe, but according to the American Farm Bureau, the traditional Thanksgiving meal in 2025 will cost about 5% less than it did last year. To put it into perspective, a classic holiday feast for 10 people will run roughly $55.18, which breaks down to an average of just $5.52 per person.

Thanksgiving Meal Costs Over the Years

Looking at recent trends, the cost of a Thanksgiving meal has steadily decreased over the past few years. In 2023, the average meal cost $61.17. In 2024, it dropped to $58.08, and this year, it’s down to $55.18. For many families, this small decrease can make it easier to enjoy a full, festive meal without worrying about stretching the budget.

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Farm Bureau
Farm Bureau
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Turkey Prices Lead the Savings

The main contributor to the lower cost is the centerpiece of the meal: the turkey. A 16-pound turkey now costs around $21.50 on average, a significant 16% decrease from last year, according to the Farm Bureau.

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As for me, I’ll be cooking for 16 people this year, but I’m asking everyone to bring a side dish or two. This not only helps keep costs down but also adds variety to the table. If you’re hosting a large Thanksgiving dinner, I’d recommend the same approach: having guests bring a dish can make the meal more affordable and stress-free for everyone involved.

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