Special Report
Cost of a Thanksgiving Meal the Year You Were Born
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Last Updated:
Like many other things in 2020, Thanksgiving is going to look a lot different this year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, because of the surge in COVID-19 cases nationwide, “The safest way to celebrate Thanksgiving this year is at home with the people in your household.” Of course, the celebration can still certainly include the traditional spread of turkey, stuffing, cranberry, rolls, and of course pies.
While the Thanksgiving menu may not be changing, even in this pandemic year, the price of a traditional Thanksgiving meal has been steadily increasing over the years. In 1947, the cost of a turkey, sides, sauces, drinks, and dessert was less than $6. In 2020, the same food cost nearly $50 — the highest recorded price in U.S. history of any year other than 2015.
To determine the cost of a Thanksgiving meal every year from 1947 to 2019, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed price data from the American Farm Bureau Federation’s annual Thanksgiving price survey. For the purposes of this story, the components of a traditional Thanksgiving meal include a 16-pound turkey, 14 oz. of stuffing, 3 pounds of sweet potatoes, a dozen dinner rolls, 16 oz. of frozen peas, 12 oz. of cranberries, a half pound of both carrots and celery, ingredients for two pumpkin pies with whipped cream, and a gallon of milk.
While the typical American can expect to spend about $50 on the basic ingredients for Thanksgiving dinner for 10 in 2020, those prices can fluctuate widely across the country. The cost of groceries in rural areas is typically much lower than it is in an affluent suburb or city. This is the most expensive place to live in every state.
With more Americans staying home rather than visiting family or friends this holiday, many may be making their first Thanksgiving turkey this year. These large birds often come frozen, so cooks must know how to properly thaw the turkey before roasting it so it is fully cooked, but not overdone. These are the 15 rules for thawing and roasting your Thanksgiving turkey.
Click here to see the cost of a thanksgiving meal the year you were born.
Click here to see our methodology.
1947
> Cost of a Thanksgiving meal: $5.68 ($49.87 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 16 lb. turkey: $2.59 ($22.74 inflation adj.)
> Cost of two pumpkin pies: $0.88 ($7.72 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 3 lb. of sweet potatoes: $0.41 ($3.60 inflation adj.)
> Cost of a dozen dinner rolls: $0.28 ($2.46 inflation adj.)
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1948
> Cost of a Thanksgiving meal: $5.81 ($48.25 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 16 lb. turkey: $2.65 ($22.00 inflation adj.)
> Cost of two pumpkin pies: $0.90 ($7.47 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 3 lb. of sweet potatoes: $0.42 ($3.48 inflation adj.)
> Cost of a dozen dinner rolls: $0.29 ($2.38 inflation adj.)
1949
> Cost of a Thanksgiving meal: $5.62 ($47.05 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 16 lb. turkey: $2.56 ($21.45 inflation adj.)
> Cost of two pumpkin pies: $0.87 ($7.29 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 3 lb. of sweet potatoes: $0.41 ($3.40 inflation adj.)
> Cost of a dozen dinner rolls: $0.28 ($2.32 inflation adj.)
1950
> Cost of a Thanksgiving meal: $5.91 ($48.93 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 16 lb. turkey: $2.70 ($22.31 inflation adj.)
> Cost of two pumpkin pies: $0.92 ($7.58 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 3 lb. of sweet potatoes: $0.43 ($3.53 inflation adj.)
> Cost of a dozen dinner rolls: $0.29 ($2.41 inflation adj.)
1951
> Cost of a Thanksgiving meal: $6.48 ($50.21 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 16 lb. turkey: $2.96 ($22.89 inflation adj.)
> Cost of two pumpkin pies: $1.00 ($7.78 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 3 lb. of sweet potatoes: $0.47 ($3.62 inflation adj.)
> Cost of a dozen dinner rolls: $0.32 ($2.47 inflation adj.)
1952
> Cost of a Thanksgiving meal: $6.52 ($49.52 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 16 lb. turkey: $2.97 ($22.58 inflation adj.)
> Cost of two pumpkin pies: $1.01 ($7.67 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 3 lb. of sweet potatoes: $0.47 ($3.57 inflation adj.)
> Cost of a dozen dinner rolls: $0.32 ($2.44 inflation adj.)
1953
> Cost of a Thanksgiving meal: $6.31 ($47.31 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 16 lb. turkey: $2.88 ($21.57 inflation adj.)
> Cost of two pumpkin pies: $0.98 ($7.33 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 3 lb. of sweet potatoes: $0.46 ($3.41 inflation adj.)
> Cost of a dozen dinner rolls: $0.31 ($2.33 inflation adj.)
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1954
> Cost of a Thanksgiving meal: $6.23 ($46.28 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 16 lb. turkey: $2.84 ($21.10 inflation adj.)
> Cost of two pumpkin pies: $0.96 ($7.17 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 3 lb. of sweet potatoes: $0.45 ($3.34 inflation adj.)
> Cost of a dozen dinner rolls: $0.31 ($2.28 inflation adj.)
1955
> Cost of a Thanksgiving meal: $6.13 ($45.32 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 16 lb. turkey: $2.79 ($20.66 inflation adj.)
> Cost of two pumpkin pies: $0.95 ($7.02 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 3 lb. of sweet potatoes: $0.44 ($3.27 inflation adj.)
> Cost of a dozen dinner rolls: $0.30 ($2.23 inflation adj.)
1956
> Cost of a Thanksgiving meal: $6.31 ($45.82 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 16 lb. turkey: $2.88 ($20.89 inflation adj.)
> Cost of two pumpkin pies: $0.98 ($7.10 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 3 lb. of sweet potatoes: $0.46 ($3.31 inflation adj.)
> Cost of a dozen dinner rolls: $0.31 ($2.26 inflation adj.)
1957
> Cost of a Thanksgiving meal: $6.46 ($45.50 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 16 lb. turkey: $2.95 ($20.75 inflation adj.)
> Cost of two pumpkin pies: $1.00 ($7.05 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 3 lb. of sweet potatoes: $0.47 ($3.28 inflation adj.)
> Cost of a dozen dinner rolls: $0.32 ($2.24 inflation adj.)
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1958
> Cost of a Thanksgiving meal: $6.67 ($45.90 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 16 lb. turkey: $3.04 ($20.93 inflation adj.)
> Cost of two pumpkin pies: $1.03 ($7.11 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 3 lb. of sweet potatoes: $0.48 ($3.31 inflation adj.)
> Cost of a dozen dinner rolls: $0.33 ($2.26 inflation adj.)
1959
> Cost of a Thanksgiving meal: $6.52 ($44.23 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 16 lb. turkey: $2.97 ($20.16 inflation adj.)
> Cost of two pumpkin pies: $1.01 ($6.85 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 3 lb. of sweet potatoes: $0.47 ($3.19 inflation adj.)
> Cost of a dozen dinner rolls: $0.32 ($2.18 inflation adj.)
1960
> Cost of a Thanksgiving meal: $6.71 ($44.78 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 16 lb. turkey: $3.06 ($20.41 inflation adj.)
> Cost of two pumpkin pies: $1.04 ($6.93 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 3 lb. of sweet potatoes: $0.48 ($3.23 inflation adj.)
> Cost of a dozen dinner rolls: $0.33 ($2.20 inflation adj.)
24/7 Wall St.
1961
> Cost of a Thanksgiving meal: $6.61 ($43.62 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 16 lb. turkey: $3.01 ($19.89 inflation adj.)
> Cost of two pumpkin pies: $1.02 ($6.76 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 3 lb. of sweet potatoes: $0.48 ($3.15 inflation adj.)
> Cost of a dozen dinner rolls: $0.33 ($2.15 inflation adj.)
1962
> Cost of a Thanksgiving meal: $6.76 ($44.08 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 16 lb. turkey: $3.08 ($20.10 inflation adj.)
> Cost of two pumpkin pies: $1.05 ($6.83 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 3 lb. of sweet potatoes: $0.49 ($3.18 inflation adj.)
> Cost of a dozen dinner rolls: $0.33 ($2.17 inflation adj.)
1963
> Cost of a Thanksgiving meal: $6.82 ($43.96 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 16 lb. turkey: $3.11 ($20.04 inflation adj.)
> Cost of two pumpkin pies: $1.06 ($6.81 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 3 lb. of sweet potatoes: $0.49 ($3.17 inflation adj.)
> Cost of a dozen dinner rolls: $0.34 ($2.16 inflation adj.)
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1964
> Cost of a Thanksgiving meal: $6.92 ($44.00 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 16 lb. turkey: $3.16 ($20.06 inflation adj.)
> Cost of two pumpkin pies: $1.07 ($6.81 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 3 lb. of sweet potatoes: $0.50 ($3.18 inflation adj.)
> Cost of a dozen dinner rolls: $0.34 ($2.17 inflation adj.)
1965
> Cost of a Thanksgiving meal: $7.09 ($44.43 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 16 lb. turkey: $3.23 ($20.26 inflation adj.)
> Cost of two pumpkin pies: $1.10 ($6.88 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 3 lb. of sweet potatoes: $0.51 ($3.21 inflation adj.)
> Cost of a dozen dinner rolls: $0.35 ($2.19 inflation adj.)
1966
> Cost of a Thanksgiving meal: $7.43 ($45.40 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 16 lb. turkey: $3.39 ($20.70 inflation adj.)
> Cost of two pumpkin pies: $1.15 ($7.03 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 3 lb. of sweet potatoes: $0.54 ($3.28 inflation adj.)
> Cost of a dozen dinner rolls: $0.37 ($2.24 inflation adj.)
1967
> Cost of a Thanksgiving meal: $7.39 ($44.03 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 16 lb. turkey: $3.37 ($20.08 inflation adj.)
> Cost of two pumpkin pies: $1.14 ($6.82 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 3 lb. of sweet potatoes: $0.53 ($3.18 inflation adj.)
> Cost of a dozen dinner rolls: $0.36 ($2.17 inflation adj.)
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1968
> Cost of a Thanksgiving meal: $7.68 ($44.07 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 16 lb. turkey: $3.50 ($20.09 inflation adj.)
> Cost of two pumpkin pies: $1.19 ($6.82 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 3 lb. of sweet potatoes: $0.55 ($3.18 inflation adj.)
> Cost of a dozen dinner rolls: $0.38 ($2.17 inflation adj.)
1969
> Cost of a Thanksgiving meal: $8.15 ($44.71 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 16 lb. turkey: $3.71 ($20.38 inflation adj.)
> Cost of two pumpkin pies: $1.26 ($6.92 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 3 lb. of sweet potatoes: $0.59 ($3.23 inflation adj.)
> Cost of a dozen dinner rolls: $0.40 ($2.20 inflation adj.)
1970
> Cost of a Thanksgiving meal: $8.36 ($43.81 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 16 lb. turkey: $3.81 ($19.98 inflation adj.)
> Cost of two pumpkin pies: $1.29 ($6.79 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 3 lb. of sweet potatoes: $0.60 ($3.16 inflation adj.)
> Cost of a dozen dinner rolls: $0.41 ($2.16 inflation adj.)
24/7 Wall St.
1971
> Cost of a Thanksgiving meal: $8.63 ($43.40 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 16 lb. turkey: $3.93 ($19.79 inflation adj.)
> Cost of two pumpkin pies: $1.34 ($6.72 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 3 lb. of sweet potatoes: $0.62 ($3.13 inflation adj.)
> Cost of a dozen dinner rolls: $0.43 ($2.14 inflation adj.)
1972
> Cost of a Thanksgiving meal: $9.13 ($44.43 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 16 lb. turkey: $4.16 ($20.26 inflation adj.)
> Cost of two pumpkin pies: $1.41 ($6.88 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 3 lb. of sweet potatoes: $0.66 ($3.21 inflation adj.)
> Cost of a dozen dinner rolls: $0.45 ($2.19 inflation adj.)
1973
> Cost of a Thanksgiving meal: $11.09 ($51.19 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 16 lb. turkey: $5.06 ($23.34 inflation adj.)
> Cost of two pumpkin pies: $1.72 ($7.93 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 3 lb. of sweet potatoes: $0.80 ($3.70 inflation adj.)
> Cost of a dozen dinner rolls: $0.55 ($2.52 inflation adj.)
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1974
> Cost of a Thanksgiving meal: $12.44 ($52.00 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 16 lb. turkey: $5.67 ($23.71 inflation adj.)
> Cost of two pumpkin pies: $1.93 ($8.05 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 3 lb. of sweet potatoes: $0.90 ($3.75 inflation adj.)
> Cost of a dozen dinner rolls: $0.61 ($2.56 inflation adj.)
1975
> Cost of a Thanksgiving meal: $13.30 ($51.33 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 16 lb. turkey: $6.07 ($23.40 inflation adj.)
> Cost of two pumpkin pies: $2.06 ($7.95 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 3 lb. of sweet potatoes: $0.96 ($3.70 inflation adj.)
> Cost of a dozen dinner rolls: $0.66 ($2.53 inflation adj.)
1976
> Cost of a Thanksgiving meal: $13.22 ($48.35 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 16 lb. turkey: $6.03 ($22.04 inflation adj.)
> Cost of two pumpkin pies: $2.05 ($7.49 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 3 lb. of sweet potatoes: $0.95 ($3.49 inflation adj.)
> Cost of a dozen dinner rolls: $0.65 ($2.38 inflation adj.)
1977
> Cost of a Thanksgiving meal: $14.27 ($49.01 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 16 lb. turkey: $6.51 ($22.35 inflation adj.)
> Cost of two pumpkin pies: $2.21 ($7.59 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 3 lb. of sweet potatoes: $1.03 ($3.54 inflation adj.)
> Cost of a dozen dinner rolls: $0.70 ($2.41 inflation adj.)
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1978
> Cost of a Thanksgiving meal: $15.98 ($51.30 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 16 lb. turkey: $7.28 ($23.39 inflation adj.)
> Cost of two pumpkin pies: $2.47 ($7.94 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 3 lb. of sweet potatoes: $1.15 ($3.70 inflation adj.)
> Cost of a dozen dinner rolls: $0.79 ($2.53 inflation adj.)
1979
> Cost of a Thanksgiving meal: $17.45 ($51.46 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 16 lb. turkey: $7.96 ($23.46 inflation adj.)
> Cost of two pumpkin pies: $2.70 ($7.97 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 3 lb. of sweet potatoes: $1.26 ($3.71 inflation adj.)
> Cost of a dozen dinner rolls: $0.86 ($2.53 inflation adj.)
1980
> Cost of a Thanksgiving meal: $19.39 ($51.61 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 16 lb. turkey: $8.84 ($23.53 inflation adj.)
> Cost of two pumpkin pies: $3.00 ($7.99 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 3 lb. of sweet potatoes: $1.40 ($3.73 inflation adj.)
> Cost of a dozen dinner rolls: $0.95 ($2.54 inflation adj.)
24/7 Wall St.
1981
> Cost of a Thanksgiving meal: $20.04 ($48.96 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 16 lb. turkey: $9.14 ($22.32 inflation adj.)
> Cost of two pumpkin pies: $3.10 ($7.58 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 3 lb. of sweet potatoes: $1.45 ($3.53 inflation adj.)
> Cost of a dozen dinner rolls: $0.99 ($2.41 inflation adj.)
1982
> Cost of a Thanksgiving meal: $20.59 ($47.65 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 16 lb. turkey: $9.39 ($21.73 inflation adj.)
> Cost of two pumpkin pies: $3.19 ($7.38 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 3 lb. of sweet potatoes: $1.49 ($3.44 inflation adj.)
> Cost of a dozen dinner rolls: $1.01 ($2.35 inflation adj.)
1983
> Cost of a Thanksgiving meal: $20.82 ($46.22 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 16 lb. turkey: $9.49 ($21.07 inflation adj.)
> Cost of two pumpkin pies: $3.22 ($7.16 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 3 lb. of sweet potatoes: $1.50 ($3.34 inflation adj.)
> Cost of a dozen dinner rolls: $1.03 ($2.28 inflation adj.)
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1984
> Cost of a Thanksgiving meal: $21.62 ($46.25 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 16 lb. turkey: $9.86 ($21.09 inflation adj.)
> Cost of two pumpkin pies: $3.35 ($7.16 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 3 lb. of sweet potatoes: $1.56 ($3.34 inflation adj.)
> Cost of a dozen dinner rolls: $1.06 ($2.28 inflation adj.)
1985
> Cost of a Thanksgiving meal: $21.93 ($45.34 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 16 lb. turkey: $10.00 ($20.67 inflation adj.)
> Cost of two pumpkin pies: $3.40 ($7.02 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 3 lb. of sweet potatoes: $1.58 ($3.27 inflation adj.)
> Cost of a dozen dinner rolls: $1.08 ($2.23 inflation adj.)
1986
> Cost of a Thanksgiving meal: $28.74 ($58.15 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 16 lb. turkey: $14.24 ($28.81 inflation adj.)
> Cost of two pumpkin pies: $3.47 ($7.03 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 3 lb. of sweet potatoes: $1.65 ($3.35 inflation adj.)
> Cost of a dozen dinner rolls: $1.13 ($2.28 inflation adj.)
1987
> Cost of a Thanksgiving meal: $24.51 ($48.11 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 16 lb. turkey: $10.88 ($21.36 inflation adj.)
> Cost of two pumpkin pies: $4.05 ($7.95 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 3 lb. of sweet potatoes: $0.90 ($1.77 inflation adj.)
> Cost of a dozen dinner rolls: $0.68 ($1.33 inflation adj.)
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1988
> Cost of a Thanksgiving meal: $26.61 ($50.27 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 16 lb. turkey: $11.84 ($22.37 inflation adj.)
> Cost of two pumpkin pies: $4.01 ($7.58 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 3 lb. of sweet potatoes: $1.38 ($2.61 inflation adj.)
> Cost of a dozen dinner rolls: $0.83 ($1.57 inflation adj.)
1989
> Cost of a Thanksgiving meal: $24.70 ($44.71 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 16 lb. turkey: $10.77 ($19.49 inflation adj.)
> Cost of two pumpkin pies: $3.04 ($5.50 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 3 lb. of sweet potatoes: $1.39 ($2.52 inflation adj.)
> Cost of a dozen dinner rolls: $0.83 ($1.50 inflation adj.)
1990
> Cost of a Thanksgiving meal: $28.85 ($50.02 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 16 lb. turkey: $12.84 ($22.26 inflation adj.)
> Cost of two pumpkin pies: $4.36 ($7.56 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 3 lb. of sweet potatoes: $2.03 ($3.52 inflation adj.)
> Cost of a dozen dinner rolls: $1.39 ($2.40 inflation adj.)
1991
> Cost of a Thanksgiving meal: $25.95 ($43.54 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 16 lb. turkey: $10.67 ($17.90 inflation adj.)
> Cost of two pumpkin pies: $3.41 ($5.72 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 3 lb. of sweet potatoes: $1.36 ($2.28 inflation adj.)
> Cost of a dozen dinner rolls: $1.00 ($1.68 inflation adj.)
1992
> Cost of a Thanksgiving meal: $26.39 ($43.13 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 16 lb. turkey: $11.05 ($18.06 inflation adj.)
> Cost of two pumpkin pies: $3.32 ($5.43 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 3 lb. of sweet potatoes: $1.32 ($2.16 inflation adj.)
> Cost of a dozen dinner rolls: $1.01 ($1.65 inflation adj.)
1993
> Cost of a Thanksgiving meal: $27.49 ($43.83 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 16 lb. turkey: $13.55 ($21.61 inflation adj.)
> Cost of two pumpkin pies: $4.60 ($7.34 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 3 lb. of sweet potatoes: $2.15 ($3.42 inflation adj.)
> Cost of a dozen dinner rolls: $1.46 ($2.33 inflation adj.)
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1994
> Cost of a Thanksgiving meal: $28.40 ($44.36 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 16 lb. turkey: $12.00 ($18.74 inflation adj.)
> Cost of two pumpkin pies: $3.34 ($5.22 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 3 lb. of sweet potatoes: $1.62 ($2.53 inflation adj.)
> Cost of a dozen dinner rolls: $1.09 ($1.70 inflation adj.)
1995
> Cost of a Thanksgiving meal: $29.64 ($45.34 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 16 lb. turkey: $12.68 ($19.40 inflation adj.)
> Cost of two pumpkin pies: $3.39 ($5.19 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 3 lb. of sweet potatoes: $1.73 ($2.65 inflation adj.)
> Cost of a dozen dinner rolls: $1.73 ($2.65 inflation adj.)
1996
> Cost of a Thanksgiving meal: $31.66 ($47.42 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 16 lb. turkey: $13.46 ($20.16 inflation adj.)
> Cost of two pumpkin pies: $3.75 ($5.62 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 3 lb. of sweet potatoes: $1.82 ($2.73 inflation adj.)
> Cost of a dozen dinner rolls: $1.25 ($1.87 inflation adj.)
1997
> Cost of a Thanksgiving meal: $31.75 ($46.74 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 16 lb. turkey: $13.47 ($19.83 inflation adj.)
> Cost of two pumpkin pies: $3.81 ($5.61 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 3 lb. of sweet potatoes: $1.92 ($2.83 inflation adj.)
> Cost of a dozen dinner rolls: $1.26 ($1.85 inflation adj.)
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1998
> Cost of a Thanksgiving meal: $33.09 ($48.33 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 16 lb. turkey: $13.71 ($20.02 inflation adj.)
> Cost of two pumpkin pies: $4.05 ($5.91 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 3 lb. of sweet potatoes: $2.10 ($3.07 inflation adj.)
> Cost of a dozen dinner rolls: $1.42 ($2.07 inflation adj.)
1999
> Cost of a Thanksgiving meal: $33.83 ($48.68 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 16 lb. turkey: $14.23 ($20.48 inflation adj.)
> Cost of two pumpkin pies: $4.18 ($6.02 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 3 lb. of sweet potatoes: $2.17 ($3.12 inflation adj.)
> Cost of a dozen dinner rolls: $1.37 ($1.97 inflation adj.)
2000
> Cost of a Thanksgiving meal: $32.37 ($45.45 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 16 lb. turkey: $12.52 ($17.58 inflation adj.)
> Cost of two pumpkin pies: $5.50 ($7.73 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 3 lb. of sweet potatoes: $2.56 ($3.60 inflation adj.)
> Cost of a dozen dinner rolls: $1.75 ($2.46 inflation adj.)
24/7 Wall St.
2001
> Cost of a Thanksgiving meal: $35.04 ($48.27 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 16 lb. turkey: $15.13 ($20.84 inflation adj.)
> Cost of two pumpkin pies: $4.71 ($6.49 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 3 lb. of sweet potatoes: $2.50 ($3.44 inflation adj.)
> Cost of a dozen dinner rolls: $1.45 ($2.00 inflation adj.)
2002
> Cost of a Thanksgiving meal: $34.56 ($46.99 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 16 lb. turkey: $14.84 ($20.18 inflation adj.)
> Cost of two pumpkin pies: $4.62 ($6.28 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 3 lb. of sweet potatoes: $2.37 ($3.22 inflation adj.)
> Cost of a dozen dinner rolls: $1.48 ($2.01 inflation adj.)
2003
> Cost of a Thanksgiving meal: $36.28 ($48.39 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 16 lb. turkey: $15.47 ($20.63 inflation adj.)
> Cost of two pumpkin pies: $4.83 ($6.44 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 3 lb. of sweet potatoes: $2.95 ($3.93 inflation adj.)
> Cost of a dozen dinner rolls: $1.35 ($1.80 inflation adj.)
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2004
> Cost of a Thanksgiving meal: $35.68 ($46.43 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 16 lb. turkey: $14.23 ($18.52 inflation adj.)
> Cost of two pumpkin pies: $5.19 ($6.75 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 3 lb. of sweet potatoes: $2.73 ($3.55 inflation adj.)
> Cost of a dozen dinner rolls: $1.63 ($2.12 inflation adj.)
2005
> Cost of a Thanksgiving meal: $36.78 ($46.54 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 16 lb. turkey: $15.11 ($19.12 inflation adj.)
> Cost of two pumpkin pies: $5.26 ($6.66 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 3 lb. of sweet potatoes: $2.56 ($3.24 inflation adj.)
> Cost of a dozen dinner rolls: $1.64 ($2.08 inflation adj.)
2006
> Cost of a Thanksgiving meal: $38.10 ($46.93 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 16 lb. turkey: $15.70 ($19.34 inflation adj.)
> Cost of two pumpkin pies: $5.34 ($6.58 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 3 lb. of sweet potatoes: $2.91 ($3.58 inflation adj.)
> Cost of a dozen dinner rolls: $1.78 ($2.19 inflation adj.)
2007
> Cost of a Thanksgiving meal: $42.26 ($50.77 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 16 lb. turkey: $17.63 ($21.18 inflation adj.)
> Cost of two pumpkin pies: $5.77 ($6.93 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 3 lb. of sweet potatoes: $3.08 ($3.70 inflation adj.)
> Cost of a dozen dinner rolls: $1.89 ($2.27 inflation adj.)
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2008
> Cost of a Thanksgiving meal: $44.61 ($52.03 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 16 lb. turkey: $19.09 ($22.27 inflation adj.)
> Cost of two pumpkin pies: $6.30 ($7.35 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 3 lb. of sweet potatoes: $3.12 ($3.64 inflation adj.)
> Cost of a dozen dinner rolls: $2.20 ($2.57 inflation adj.)
2009
> Cost of a Thanksgiving meal: $42.91 ($50.10 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 16 lb. turkey: $18.65 ($21.77 inflation adj.)
> Cost of two pumpkin pies: $6.34 ($7.40 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 3 lb. of sweet potatoes: $3.12 ($3.64 inflation adj.)
> Cost of a dozen dinner rolls: $2.08 ($2.43 inflation adj.)
2010
> Cost of a Thanksgiving meal: $43.47 ($49.90 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 16 lb. turkey: $17.66 ($20.27 inflation adj.)
> Cost of two pumpkin pies: $6.78 ($7.78 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 3 lb. of sweet potatoes: $3.19 ($3.66 inflation adj.)
> Cost of a dozen dinner rolls: $2.12 ($2.43 inflation adj.)
2011
> Cost of a Thanksgiving meal: $49.20 ($55.08 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 16 lb. turkey: $21.57 ($24.15 inflation adj.)
> Cost of two pumpkin pies: $7.51 ($8.41 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 3 lb. of sweet potatoes: $3.26 ($3.65 inflation adj.)
> Cost of a dozen dinner rolls: $2.30 ($2.57 inflation adj.)
2012
> Cost of a Thanksgiving meal: $49.48 ($54.35 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 16 lb. turkey: $22.23 ($24.42 inflation adj.)
> Cost of two pumpkin pies: $7.36 ($8.09 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 3 lb. of sweet potatoes: $3.15 ($3.46 inflation adj.)
> Cost of a dozen dinner rolls: $2.33 ($2.56 inflation adj.)
2013
> Cost of a Thanksgiving meal: $49.04 ($53.16 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 16 lb. turkey: $21.76 ($23.59 inflation adj.)
> Cost of two pumpkin pies: $7.44 ($8.06 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 3 lb. of sweet potatoes: $3.36 ($3.64 inflation adj.)
> Cost of a dozen dinner rolls: $2.18 ($2.36 inflation adj.)
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2014
> Cost of a Thanksgiving meal: $49.41 ($52.78 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 16 lb. turkey: $21.65 ($23.13 inflation adj.)
> Cost of two pumpkin pies: $7.54 ($8.05 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 3 lb. of sweet potatoes: $3.56 ($3.80 inflation adj.)
> Cost of a dozen dinner rolls: $2.17 ($2.32 inflation adj.)
2015
> Cost of a Thanksgiving meal: $50.11 ($53.42 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 16 lb. turkey: $23.04 ($24.56 inflation adj.)
> Cost of two pumpkin pies: $7.61 ($8.11 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 3 lb. of sweet potatoes: $3.57 ($3.81 inflation adj.)
> Cost of a dozen dinner rolls: $2.25 ($2.40 inflation adj.)
2016
> Cost of a Thanksgiving meal: $49.87 ($52.61 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 16 lb. turkey: $22.74 ($23.99 inflation adj.)
> Cost of two pumpkin pies: $7.72 ($8.15 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 3 lb. of sweet potatoes: $3.60 ($3.80 inflation adj.)
> Cost of a dozen dinner rolls: $2.46 ($2.59 inflation adj.)
2017
> Cost of a Thanksgiving meal: $49.12 ($50.91 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 16 lb. turkey: $22.38 ($23.20 inflation adj.)
> Cost of two pumpkin pies: $7.74 ($8.02 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 3 lb. of sweet potatoes: $3.52 ($3.65 inflation adj.)
> Cost of a dozen dinner rolls: $2.26 ($2.34 inflation adj.)
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2018
> Cost of a Thanksgiving meal: $48.90 ($49.63 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 16 lb. turkey: $21.71 ($22.03 inflation adj.)
> Cost of two pumpkin pies: $7.88 ($8.00 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 3 lb. of sweet potatoes: $3.39 ($3.44 inflation adj.)
> Cost of a dozen dinner rolls: $2.25 ($2.28 inflation adj.)
2019
> Cost of a Thanksgiving meal: $48.91 ($48.91 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 16 lb. turkey: $20.80 ($20.80 inflation adj.)
> Cost of two pumpkin pies: $7.92 ($7.92 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 3 lb. of sweet potatoes: $3.75 ($3.75 inflation adj.)
> Cost of a dozen dinner rolls: $2.50 ($2.50 inflation adj.)
2020
> Cost of a Thanksgiving meal: $49.90 ($49.90 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 16 lb. turkey: $19.39 ($19.39 inflation adj.)
> Cost of two pumpkin pies: $7.55 ($7.55 inflation adj.)
> Cost of 3 lb. of sweet potatoes: $3.44 ($3.44 inflation adj.)
> Cost of a dozen dinner rolls: $2.66 ($2.66 inflation adj.)
Methodology:
To determine the cost of a Thanksgiving meal every year from 1947 to 2020, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed price data from the American Farm Bureau Federation’s annual Thanksgiving price survey. The survey collects data on the prices of items consumed in a traditional Thanksgiving meal for 10. The data is gathered by a team of volunteer shoppers around the country, and the survey first started in 1986. The AFBF found every year that the change in the cost of the Thanksgiving meal tracks closely with the changing price of food at home as measured by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. For years prior to 1986, 24/7 Wall St. adjusted the cost of a Thanksgiving meal and its individual components using the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ consumer price index for food at home in November from 1947 to 1985. For the purposes of this story, the components of a traditional Thanksgiving meal include a 16-pound turkey, 14 oz. of stuffing, 3 pounds of sweet potatoes, a dozen dinner rolls, 16 oz. of frozen peas, 12 oz. of cranberries, a half pound of both carrots and celery, ingredients for two pumpkin pies with whipped cream, and a gallon of milk. Meal prices, the cost of turkey, and the cost of two pumpkin pies were adjusted for inflation for each year using annual data from the Personal Consumption Expenditures Price index from the Bureau of Economic Analysis.
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