Families should expect to pay about 5% less for their Thanksgiving meal this year compared with last year, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation’s annual survey released Wednesday.

The survey found a typical Thanksgiving dinner for a family of 10 will cost $55.18 this year, down from $58.08 in 2024 and $61.17 in 2023. A big reason for the drop is the falling price of turkeys. The AFBF said a typical 16-pound turkey costs $21.50, 16.3% less than a year ago.

One factor behind the decline is that many retailers are using turkeys as “loss leaders,” charging less to attract customers. Grocery chains often discount turkeys to draw shoppers, then make up sales on other products.

A Purdue University analysis noted wholesale turkey prices are still rising, but some stores aren’t passi

See Full Page