Thanksgiving Dinner Costs Decline for Third Year

Thanksgiving dinner costs are slightly lower this year compared to 2023 but remain significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels. The American Farm Bureau Federation reports that the average cost for a Thanksgiving meal for ten people is $58.08, a 5% decrease from last year but 19% higher than in 2019. Indiana has reported an even lower average cost of $53.31, with turkey prices being a major contributor to this decline, priced at $1.33 per pound, significantly lower than the national average. Wisconsin's Thanksgiving meal also decreased by 2.1%, averaging $57.61, while Indiana's cost remains about 8% lower than the national average. Despite lower prices for some items, inflation continues to impact overall food costs, with prices still 25% higher than five years ago. This year, cranberry prices saw the largest increase of 12%, indicating ongoing fluctuations in the market.