Can You Still Afford That Holiday Bird? Here's What 2025 Thanksgiving Costs Really Look Like

The Silver Lining in Your Grocery Bill

Rising expenses and tariffs have squeezed household budgets across the board this year, but here’s some welcome news: turkey prices have managed to resist the inflationary tide. According to the Wells Fargo Thanksgiving Food Report for 2025, while general food costs at home have climbed 2.7% year-over-year, the traditional holiday centerpiece is one item you won’t have to stress about affording.

Breaking Down Your 2025 Thanksgiving Budget

The Wells Fargo Agri-Food Institute reveals some encouraging figures. While the Consumer Price Index demonstrates persistent food price pressures, their comprehensive Thanksgiving Menu analysis shows prices down between 2-3% compared to last year. National brand retail items have dropped even further, by 3.7% year-over-year.

On the centerpiece front, shoppers can expect to pay approximately $34.65 for a standard 15-pound turkey (roughly $2.31 per pound). Though this represents a slight increase from 2024, budget-conscious consumers still have legitimate savings opportunities. The real victory comes when you look at the complete picture: a full 10-person holiday spread will run between $80-$95, with the difference mainly reflecting name-brand versus store-brand purchasing choices.

Three Practical Strategies to Maximize Your Turkey Savings

The actual price you’ll afford to pay depends significantly on your location and portion size. Consider these evidence-based approaches:

Compare Before You Commit

Don’t settle for the first turkey you encounter. Review weekly advertisements from multiple grocery chains in your area to identify promotional pricing. This small research effort often yields meaningful discounts without quality compromise.

Right-Size Your Purchase

Since turkey pricing follows a per-pound model, purchasing excess poultry directly inflates your bill. Industry experts recommend calculating 1.5 pounds per person to accommodate both generous servings and adequate leftovers, then stick to that number.

Design a Leftovers Strategy

Rather than watching uneaten turkey head to waste, plan conversion recipes in advance. Turkey enchiladas, hearty soups, and wraps transform surplus protein into multiple meals. Gathering necessary ingredients beforehand ensures you can execute these recipes without scrambling for shopping trips.

The Bottom Line

While inflation continues testing household finances across numerous categories, turkey has surprisingly become an affordable protein option for 2025 holiday gatherings. With strategic shopping, proper portion calculation, and intentional leftovers planning, families can enjoy this traditional centerpiece without financial strain—making it genuinely feasible to afford the meal you want this Thanksgiving season.