Thanksgiving Dinner Costs Drop Again — Mississippi Remains Among the Most Affordable
Mississippi families preparing to gather around the table this Thanksgiving can expect to pay less for their holiday meal than they did last year — and less than most households across the South and the nation.
According to the American Farm Bureau Federation’s (AFBF) 40th annual Thanksgiving survey, the national average cost of a classic Thanksgiving meal for 10 people is $55.18, or about $5.52 per person. That’s a 5% decrease from last year and marks the third straight year of declining costs after peaking at $64.05 in 2022.
In Mississippi, the cost is even lower. A classic Thanksgiving meal — which includes turkey, stuffing, rolls, peas, cranberries, sweet potatoes, pumpkin pie with whipped cream, and a veggie tray — totals $46.77. This average is notably lower than both the Southern regional average of $50.01 and the national average.
When the menu is expanded to include boneless ham, Russet potatoes, and green beans, Mississippi families will spend about $66.47 — again below both the Southern regional average of $71.20 and the national average of $77.09.
This year, the meal’s biggest price drop can be found in the holiday’s signature centerpiece: turkey. The average national price for a 16-pound frozen turkey is $21.50 — or $1.34 per pound — down more than 16% from last year. Historically, turkey has accounted for roughly 43% of Thanksgiving dinner costs, but this year that share dropped to 39%, its lowest since 2000.
While fresh turkey prices continue to rise as the poultry sector fights highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), prices for frozen turkeys – the most commonly used for Thanksgiving dinner – continue to fall. On top of this, demand for turkey continues to drop outside of Thanksgiving, with the average American consuming only 13 pounds of turkey per year—nearly 3 pounds less than six years ago.
Retail promotions in the days before Thanksgiving are also expected to push prices down even further, offering additional savings for shoppers.
Despite overall declines, some items saw price increases. Lower wheat prices helped reduce the cost of items requiring flour, but fresh produce items increased significantly due to a variety of factors, including weather disruptions, narrowing production margins, and supply-chain volatility.
Sweet potatoes are up 37% nationally, driven partly by hurricane losses in North Carolina, the nation’s leading producer. A veggie tray is up more than 61%. Because fruits and vegetables rely heavily on manual labor, the ongoing shortage of farmworkers and rising wages continue to push up retail costs.
While consumers benefit from lower grocery prices, many farmers and ranchers continue to face a tough economic year. Crop prices have fallen, while fuel, fertilizer, labor, and equipment costs remain high. In some cases, those costs exceed what farmers can earn back — meaning many operations are working below breakeven. Weather challenges added further strain, and weaker export demand continues to pressure income. This combination has contributed to a poor farm economy marked by tight margins and rising financial stress. As producers navigate another uncertain year, effective support remains essential to keeping America’s food supply stable, affordable, and secure.
Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation President Mike McCormick emphasized the importance of supporting agriculture, especially during the holidays. “Even while facing rising costs and unpredictable weather, Mississippi farm families continue working to make sure every table in our state has access to a safe, affordable Thanksgiving meal.”
Average Price Breakdown for 2025 Classic Thanksgiving Dinner (by state, region, national):
Read a full analysis of AFBF’s 2025 Thanksgiving dinner cost survey here.
Honoring the Hands That Feed Us
Thanksgiving is more than a holiday meal — it’s a celebration of the harvest and the farmers who make it possible. Nearly every dish on the Thanksgiving table begins on a farm, from turkey and sweet potatoes to wheat for rolls and cranberries for sauce.
As you enjoy this year’s feast, Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation encourages you to take a moment to appreciate the farm families who work year-round — at great risk and with deep dedication — to help keep food affordable, safe, and abundant for us all.