According to a survey conducted by market research company Expana, the cost of a traditional Thanksgiving meal in 2024 has dropped by three percent. The Expana Main Meal Index includes turkey, ham, vegetables, starches and dessert.
Turkey prices are lower than 2023 despite reduced production. Ground beef currently averaging $4.83 per lb. is 4.1 percent lower than for Thanksgiving 2023, chicken breast at $4.23 per lb. is up 2.1 percent and chicken legs at $1.45 per lb. down 5.8 percent year-over-year.
The American Farm Bureau Federation projection of the cost of a Thanksgiving meal using a standard basket will cost $58 for 10 guests. The total will be 5 percent less than for 2023 but up 20 percent over five years relecting the post COVID years of inflation. The 16 lb. turkey comprised 44 percent of the cost of the meal.