Thanksgiving dinner is 25% more expensive than in 2019

This year's meal is the second most expensive in nearly four decades. The average price ($61.17) is second only to last year.

Published by

Verónica Silveri Pazos

22 de noviembre, 2023

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A report from the American Farm Bureau Federation, revealed that this year the average cost of a Thanksgiving dinner - for ten people - is 25% higher than in 2019:

We found that this year's classic Thanksgiving feast for 10 people will cost $61.17, or about $6.12 per guest. The cost is still 25% higher compared to 2019, before the pandemic of COVID-19.

The study offers calculations that show that in 2023 the cost of dinner is $61.17 ($6.12 per person) and makes the comparison with the price it averaged in 2019 (around $46) and in 2021 ($53).

It also states that by "including the additional items on the plate, the cost of a Thanksgiving meal increased to $84.75 or $8.48 per person," reflecting an increase of about $2 per person compared to the initial calculation with the food basics.

The price goes down

The survey - carried out nationwide - revealed that this year's dinner has the second highest cost in 38 years (that the survey has been taking). Only being surpassed by the 2022 price.

The total price of dinner fell this year (4.5%) compared to 2022. The survey explains that this is "mainly due to a reduced cost of turkey" since this food "has represented an average of 43% of the general price of the dish. However, there has also been a drop in the costs of seven of the 11 traditional dinner meals:

In the classic basket, seven of the eleven items surveyed experienced a price decrease compared to last year, including turkey, diced stuffing, frozen peas, cranberries, pie crusts, whipping cream and milk whole.

The group highlighted that the prices of four foods increased this year. Pumpkin pie (3.8%) and muffins (3%) showed the highest level of increase.

The price of four items increased year over year: the relish tray (a mix of fresh celery and carrots), sweet potatoes, dinner rolls and pumpkin pie mix. Pumpkin pie mix ($4.44 per can 30 oz.) and bagels ($3.84 per dozen) had the largest percentage increase at 3.8% and 3.0% respectively.

The region of the country is a factor that determines dining costs. The Midwest is the cheapest area for $58.66. The Northeast is the most expensive with an average cost of $64.38:

The survey results revealed regional differences in retail food prices, with a difference of $5.72 between the least expensive and most expensive regions. This Thanksgiving, the least expensive food region for Thanksgiving dinner is the Midwest at $58.66, followed by the South at $59.10, the West at $63.89, and the Northeast as the most Expensive at $64.38.