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.
Source: Library of Congress / Wikimedia Commons
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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Source: Evans / Three Lions / Getty Images
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.)
Source: Jackie Lund / Flickr
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.)
Source: FPG / Retrofile RF via Getty Images
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.)
24/7 Wall St.
Source: Evans / Three Lions / Getty Images
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.)
Source: Keystone / Getty Images
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.)
Source: Unknown / Wikimedia Commons
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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Source: Evans / Three Lions / Getty Images
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.)
Source: Nocella / Three Lions / Getty Images
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.)
Source: Hulton Archive / Getty Images
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.)
Source: The U.S. Food and Drug Association / Flickr
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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Source: RichardBH / Flickr
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.)
Source: Florida Memory / Flickr
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.)
Source: Tom Kelley Archive / Retrofile RF via Getty Images
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.
Source: William Lovelace / Getty Images
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.)
Source: jolynne_martinez / Flickr
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.)
Source: Abbie Rowe. White House Photographs. John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston
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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Source: Tom Kelley Archive / Retrofile RF via Getty Images
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.)
Source: Steven & Courtney Johnson & Horwitz / Flickr
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.)
Source: Bruce Szalwinski / Flickr
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.)
Source: Yoichi Okamoto / Wikimedia Commons
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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Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
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.)
Source: Tom Kelley Archive / Retrofile RF via Getty Images
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.)
Source: Kent Kanouse / Flickr
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.
Source: Kent Kanouse / Flickr
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.)
Source: Public Domain
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.)
Source: Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images
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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Source: Barbara Ann Spengler / Flickr
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.)
Source: The U.S. National Archives / Flickr
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.)
Source: Kent Kanouse / Flickr
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.)
Source: Rusty Blazenhoff / Flickr
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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Source: Dahoov2 / Wikimedia Commons
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.)
Source: Jon Harder / Wikimedia Commons
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.)
Source: Ken Howard / Getty Images
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.
Source: Allsport / Getty Images
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.)
Source: Nate Davis / Flickr
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.)
Source: The U.S. National Archives / Flickr
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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Source: Matthew Rutledge / Flickr
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.)
Source: nasacommons / Flickr
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.)
Source: Bruce Szalwinski / Flickr
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.)
Source: Photograph Courtesy of The Hanby
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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Source: Alan Light / Flickr
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.)
Source: Photo by Barbara Alper / Getty Images
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.)
Source: frankieleon / Flickr
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.)
24/7 Wall St.
Source: Lars Plougmann / Wikimedia Commons
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.)
Source: Focus on Sport/Getty Images
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.)
Source: usnationalarchives / Flickr
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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Source: grilled cheese / Flickr
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.)
Source: Kent Kanouse / Flickr
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.)
Source: Rick Stewart / Allsport / Getty Images
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.)
Source: StephanieFrey / Getty Images
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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Source: NASA
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.)
Source: Comstock / Stockbyte via Getty Images
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.)
Source: RonTech2000 / iStock via Getty Images
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.)
Source: Jupiterimages / Stockbyte via Getty Images
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.)
Source: Brand X Pictures / Stockbyte via Getty Images
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.)
Source: Comstock / Stockbyte via Getty Images
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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Source: Thos Robinson / Getty Images
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.)
Source: Ryan McVay / Photodisc via Getty Images
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.)
Source: Jupiterimages / PHOTOS.com>> via Getty Images
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.)
Source: Image Source / Photodisc via Getty Images
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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Source: Yana Paskova / Getty Images
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.)
Source: LauriPatterson / E+ via Getty Images
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.)
Source: Michael Loccisano / Getty Images
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.)
Source: usnavy / Flickr
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.)
Source: monkeybusinessimages / iStock via Getty Images
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.)
Source: Joshua Lott / Getty Images
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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Source: obamawhitehouse / Flickr
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.)
Source: monkeybusinessimages / iStock via Getty Images
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.)
Source: Christine Wolf Gagne / iStock Editorial via Getty Images
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.)
Source: Michael Loccisano / Getty Images
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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Source: Alex Wong / Getty Images
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.)
Source: Michael Loccisano / Getty Images
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.)
Source: LightFieldStudios / iStock via Getty Images
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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