How Much is Thanksgiving Going to Cost You This Year?

Inflation has affected everything this season from pumpkins to turkeys to Christmas trees, but were you prepared to pay 20% more this year for your Thanksgiving feast? 

The American Farm Bureau Federation conducted its annual Thanksgiving dinner cost survey and revealed nearly every holiday meal ingredient is priced higher this year. The federation announced that the average cost for a “classic Thanksgiving feast for 10” is $64.05. In the 37 years the survey has been conducted, this meal is the priciest, up 20% from last year’s cost of $53.31. 

The increase in price can be blamed on inflation and supply chain disruptions, according to the federation. 

On top of the heightened food prices, the cost of gas is also a source of concern for many travelers this holiday. Following the trend, gas prices are the highest ever over Thanksgiving weekend. A recent report by GasBuddy projected the national average for gas on Thanksgiving Day to be $3.68 per gallon, a 20-cent increase from last Thanksgiving. 

Luckily, according to USA Today, there are some ways to fight inflation while holiday shopping. “Some retailers say consumers can get their full Thanksgiving meals for less than the national average. Other stores have promotions to get a turkey for free when shoppers load up the cart with other items.” Additionally, “Retail giant Walmart said it’s selling turkey and many trimmings at last year’s prices, while discount grocer Aldi announced it would match 2019 prices for discounts of up to 30%. Lidl said shoppers can get their ingredients for under $30.”