Are grocery prices gobbling your wallet this Thanksgiving?
Danyelle Burke North
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Are grocery prices gobbling your wallet? According to the American Farm Bureau Federation, the average cost of a Thanksgiving dinner is down 5% this year compared to 2025, making the average meal for 10 people around $58.08.
While some Thanksgiving side items see a drop in prices like milk and some vegetables, others see a rise like dinner rolls and cranberry sauce. The price increase includes one of the beloved family favorites: Turkeys!
“Turkeys have gone through the roof due to the avian flu,” said Avenir financial community relations officer Jeff Byrd.
The USDA estimates wholesale turkey prices up 40% this year. However, Arizona residents may catch a break.
The Arizona Farm Bureau says the cost of a 16 pound turkey purchased in Arizona is $18.89 which is $0.47 cents less than last year.
Avenir Financial Community Relations Officer Jeff Byrd says inflation also has an impact on prices.
“So once inflation goes up, the prices keep going like this. People think it’s going to drop off, but unfortunately because of past inflation, we’re still up there and people are still feeling it in their pocketbook,” said Byrd.
Others shared a few more tricks up their sleeves to help save their wallet.
:Coupons is the best way to go, and the stores always have sales for turkeys,” said local Bob Beverly.
“You can do comparative shopping. Go out, buy in bulk, save things,” said Byrd.
But despite the pressure, everyone says they hope we come back to the heart of the holiday.
“The main thing about thanksgiving is remember what it’s all about. Lower the stress. Focus on friends and family, and just enjoy the experience of being with loved ones,” said Byrd.