The Cost of Hosting Thanksgiving Dinner in All 50 States

bhofack2 / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Commitment to Our Readers

GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services - our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our products and services review methodology.

20 Years
Helping You Live Richer

Reviewed
by Experts

Trusted by
Millions of Readers

As Thanksgiving approaches, many Americans are preparing to host dinner and are eager to understand the costs involved.

This year, there’s a silver lining: turkey prices are expected to be lower due to a 2% increase in production, which is a relief for those planning their meals.

GOBankingRates analyzed and shared the costs of Thanksgiving dinner in each state to help you prepare for your holiday meal. In this analysis, typical items like turkey, stuffing, potatoes and pie are all included. 

Cost of Thanksgiving Dinner by State

The average cost of a traditional Thanksgiving dinner has fluctuated over the years, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF).

That came to an average of around $58.08 for a meal serving ten people this year, down 5% compared to 2023. That’s still 19% higher than five years ago, researchers noted.

Let’s see how much these costs can differ across states. The latest data is sourced from Purdue University’s Center for Food Demand Analysis & Sustainability:  

Most Expensive States

Some states have significantly higher costs for Thanksgiving dinner. Here are the top five:

• Hawaii: $80.02
• Alaska: $73.84
• Maryland: $70.66
• Nebraska: $70.29
• California: $70.19

Hawaii remains the most expensive state due to its remote location and high shipping costs for food items, while Alaska faces similar challenges, contributing to its elevated prices.

Mid-Range States

Many states fall into a mid-range category where costs are moderate:

• Virginia: $70.13
• New York: $69.92
• Wisconsin: $69.88
• Oregon: $69.87
• South Dakota: $70.14

These states often feature a mix of urban and rural areas that influence food prices, with urban centers typically experiencing higher costs due to increased demand.

Most Affordable States

On the other end of the spectrum, some states offer more affordable options for Thanksgiving dinner:

• Georgia: $58.20
• Kansas: $58.21
• Missouri: $59.11
• Alabama: $59.13
• South Carolina: $60.36

These states benefit from lower living costs and abundant agricultural produce, making it easier to find good deals on traditional Thanksgiving items.

Key Ingredient Costs

Understanding the costs of key ingredients is essential for budgeting your Thanksgiving meal.

Turkey Prices

If you prefer a traditional turkey dinner for Thanksgiving, you’re in luck:

• Americans can expect to pay $25.67 for a 16-pound turkey this year — an average of $1.60 per pound.
• Across the country, turkey prices in 2024 are down 6% from last year.
• In Hawaii and Alaska, turkey prices can be significantly higher due to transportation costs.

Side Dishes and Desserts

To create a complete Thanksgiving dinner, we need to consider other traditional items that typically accompany the turkey. Here are some estimated costs for common Thanksgiving dishes, per AFBF:

• Stuffing (14 ounces): Approximately $4.08.
• Frozen pie crusts (two-pack): $3.40.
• Whipping cream (half pint): Around $1.81.
• Green peas (16 ounces): Estimated at $1.73.
• Dinner rolls (1 dozen): Approximately $4.16.
• Pumpkin pie mix (30 ounces): About $4.15.
• Whole milk (1 gallon): Estimated at $3.21.
• Sweet potatoes (3 pounds): Approximately $2.93.
• Carrots and celery (half pound each): 84 cents.
• Fresh cranberries (12 ounces): Estimated at $2.35.

List of All 50 States and Their Costs

Here’s a comprehensive list of all 50 states, along with their respective average costs for hosting a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, according to Purdue University:

Share This Article: