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Lifestyle / Holidays

The Cost of Thanksgiving Every Year Since 1960

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A family of four, dressed in formal clothing, smiles behind a large roasted turkey on a decorated platter, reflecting the joy and tradition of a Thanksgiving dinner as well as the evolving Thanksgiving dinner cost.
H. Armstrong Roberts/ClassicStock/Getty Images

Thanksgiving rarely changes: the turkey, the same old sides, the familiar rituals that return like clockwork. But the price behind that comforting sameness has been quietly shifting for decades. If you look at the cost of a Thanksgiving dinner from the 1960s to today, you get a timeline of the country’s shifting moods: inflation spikes, agricultural booms, changing tastes, and the slow creep of expectations. The meal stays still, but the world around the table keeps rewriting itself.

It’s a history you can read in receipts as much as in memories. Here’s a look back at the cost of Thanksgiving dinner, including popular dishes like mashed potatoes and the entire meal, from 1960 to 2025.

1960

An American housewife, Mrs Boivin, bastes the Thanksgiving turkey while her two sons look on.
Evans/Stringer/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Thanksgiving dinner cost: $15.63

Adjusted for inflation: $173.26

Median household income: $5,600

Turkey: $3.83

Mashed potatoes: $1.06

Cranberry sauce: $0.25

Stuffing: $0.78

Pumpkin pie: $0.89

1961

A Thanksgiving parade in New York. Floating above the majorettes is a giant inflatable Popeye.
Express Newspapers/Stringer/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Thanksgiving dinner cost: $16.13

Adjusted for inflation: $175.81

Median household income: $5,700

Turkey: $3.76

Mashed potatoes: $1.00

Cranberry sauce: $0.25

Stuffing: $0.79

Pumpkin pie: $0.89

1962

A boy and girl saying grace before a roast turkey dinner, circa 1970.
FPG/Staff/Archive/Getty Images

Thanksgiving dinner cost: $16.30

Adjusted for inflation: $176.47

Median household income: $6,000

Turkey: $3.85

Mashed potatoes: $1.00

Cranberry sauce: $0.26

Stuffing: $0.80

Pumpkin pie: $0.89

1963

A group of boys and girls, all displaced persons from Europe, waving their invitations to a Thanksgiving party held at the Tavern on the Green, Central Park
FPG/Staff/Archive/Getty Images

Thanksgiving dinner cost: $16.48

Adjusted for inflation: $176.08

Median household income: $6,200

Turkey: $3.89

Mashed potatoes: $1.01

Cranberry sauce: $0.26

Stuffing: $0.81

Pumpkin pie: $0.90

1964

A family of five sits around a dinner table with a roasted turkey, candles, and drinks, smiling and looking at the camera. The cozy home dining room scene captures the warmth and tradition of Thanksgiving dinner cost through the years.
u/randomfemale via Reddit.com 

Thanksgiving dinner cost: $17.17

Adjusted for inflation: $180.48

Median household income: $6,600

Turkey: $3.95

Mashed potatoes: $1.09

Cranberry sauce: $0.26

Stuffing: $0.83

Pumpkin pie: $0.90

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1965

A person carves a roasted turkey at a dinner table set with various dishes, capturing the warm, nostalgic feel often seen in vintage Thanksgiving photos. Two other people are seated at the table, one partially visible and one wearing glasses and a hat.
Stuart Lutz/Gado/Getty Images

Thanksgiving dinner cost: $17.52

Adjusted for inflation: $182.39

Median household income: $6,900

Turkey: $4.04

Mashed potatoes: $1.19

Cranberry sauce: $0.26

Stuffing: $0.84

Pumpkin pie: $0.91

1966

An older woman in a blue dress and apron is standing in a vintage kitchen, opening the oven door while holding a bowl. Several pots are on the stovetop, and the kitchen has a retro, homey atmosphere.
Jonathan Blair/Corbis via Getty Images

Thanksgiving dinner cost: $18.32

Adjusted for inflation: $187.12

Median household income: $7,400

Turkey: $4.24

Mashed potatoes: $1.12

Cranberry sauce: $0.27

Stuffing: $0.89

Pumpkin pie: $0.95

1967

A vintage illustration shows a woman and a young girl standing together in a barnyard, surrounded by chickens, turkeys, and other birds—a nostalgic scene that hints at the humble beginnings of Thanksgiving dinner cost history. Wooden barns stand in the background.
benoitb/istockphoto

Thanksgiving dinner cost: $18.42

Adjusted for inflation: $181.85

Median household income: $7,200

Turkey: $4.21

Mashed potatoes: $1.13

Cranberry sauce: $0.27

Stuffing: $0.88

Pumpkin pie: $0.94

1968

A chef in a white coat carves a golden-brown roasted turkey on a wooden board, with herbs and garlic nearby. Bottles of wine are visible in the blurred background.
wanessa-p/istockphoto

Thanksgiving dinner cost: $19.08

Adjusted for inflation: $181.74

Median household income: $7,700

Turkey: $4.38

Mashed potatoes: $1.19

Cranberry sauce: $0.29

Stuffing: $0.90

Pumpkin pie: $0.98

1969

A group of people are gathered around a dining table, smiling and enjoying food together in a cozy, orange-walled kitchen with a window and patterned curtains. A child and adults appear to be having a meal and conversation.
u/jljohns60 via Reddit.com 

Thanksgiving dinner cost: $20.13

Adjusted for inflation: $183.66

Median household income: $9,400

Turkey: $4.64

Mashed potatoes: $1.24

Cranberry sauce: $0.30

Stuffing: $0.96

Pumpkin pie: $1.03

1970

A man smiles as he hugs a giant pumpkin on a wooden pallet outdoors, evoking the warmth of vintage Thanksgiving photos, with another large pumpkin in the background on a grassy field.
Bettmann/Contributor/Getty Images

Thanksgiving dinner cost: $20.92

Adjusted for inflation: $179.76

Median household income: $8,730

Turkey: $4.76

Mashed potatoes: $1.32

Cranberry sauce: $0.32

Stuffing: $0.99

Pumpkin pie: $1.07

1971

A vintage Campbell’s ad features a green bean casserole topped with crispy onions in a white dish, inspired by classic Back-of-the-Box Recipes. Cans of Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup and French’s Crispy Onions sit beside Thanksgiving fare.
eBay / Vintage Paper Ads 2

Thanksgiving dinner cost: $21.47

Adjusted for inflation: $175.21

Median household income: $10,290

Turkey: $4.91

Mashed potatoes: $1.20

Cranberry sauce: $0.34

Stuffing: $1.01

Pumpkin pie: $1.10

1972

Three adults sit around a dinner table with a floral tablecloth, sharing a meal of turkey, green beans, and sides. Capturing the warmth of vintage Thanksgiving photos, one woman looks at the camera as others converse; a fern plant is in the background.
u/Slow-moving-sloth via Reddit.com 

Thanksgiving dinner cost: $22.35

Adjusted for inflation: $176.62

Median household income: $11,120

Turkey: $5.20

Mashed potatoes: $1.36

Cranberry sauce: $0.35

Stuffing: $1.03

Pumpkin pie: $1.13

1973

A hand holds a photo of a small child asleep at a table with a red and white checkered tablecloth, surrounded by dishes, a cup, and other photos—perhaps from gatherings over the years—reflecting on Thanksgiving Dinner Cost History.
catscandotcom/istockphoto

Thanksgiving dinner cost: $25.06

Adjusted for inflation: $191.07

Median household income: $10,500

Turkey: $6.33

Mashed potatoes: $1.62

Cranberry sauce: $0.36

Stuffing: $1.15

Pumpkin pie: $1.23

1974

A group of eight adults in 1970s clothing gather in a cozy living room, laughing and talking near snacks and drinks on a glass coffee table, perhaps reminiscing about Thanksgiving Dinner Cost History among the patterned furniture and bright curtains.
Tom Kelley Archive/istockphoto

Thanksgiving dinner cost: $27.34

Adjusted for inflation: $190.56

Median household income: $11,100

Turkey: $7.09

Mashed potatoes: $1.89

Cranberry sauce: $0.38

Stuffing: $1.28

Pumpkin pie: $1.30

1975

A golden roasted turkey on a platter is surrounded by classic Thanksgiving side dishes, capturing the festive tradition and reflecting the Thanksgiving dinner cost history through timeless favorites like mashed potatoes, cranberry jelly, and stuffed tomatoes.
CSA Images/istockphoto

Thanksgiving dinner cost: $29.40

Adjusted for inflation: $183.28

Median household income: $13,720

Turkey: $7.59

Mashed potatoes: $1.72

Cranberry sauce: $0.43

Stuffing: $1.33

Pumpkin pie: $1.41

1976

An elderly couple and a young child stand in a kitchen, looking at a roasted turkey in the oven. The woman wears an apron, the man wears a tie, and the child is in a blue vest. Pots and kitchen items are visible around them.

u/Nixx_Mazda via Reddit.com 

Thanksgiving dinner cost: $31.41

Adjusted for inflation: $183.49

Median household income: $14,960

Turkey: $7.54

Mashed potatoes: $1.82

Cranberry sauce: $0.48

Stuffing: $1.35

Pumpkin pie: $1.52

1977

Black and white photo of shoppers in a grocery store aisle lined with shelves of products. A large sign reading "MEATS" hangs at the back. Three people browse or push carts under fluorescent lights.
Target

Thanksgiving dinner cost: $32.84

Adjusted for inflation: $182.33

Median household income: $13,570

Turkey: $8.14

Mashed potatoes: $1.86

Cranberry sauce: $0.50

Stuffing: $1.40

Pumpkin pie: $1.57

1978

Harold M. Lambert/Getty Images

Thanksgiving dinner cost: $34.72

Adjusted for inflation: $180.43

Median household income: $15,060

Turkey: $9.10

Mashed potatoes: $1.84

Cranberry sauce: $0.54

Stuffing: $1.45

Pumpkin pie: $1.67

1979

A vintage photo of a smiling family gathered in a kitchen around a table with food. Three children and several adults pose together, with a refrigerator and window in the background. The scene feels warm and nostalgic.

u/chyken via Reddit.com 

Thanksgiving dinner cost: $34.81

Adjusted for inflation: $165.54

Median household income: $16,530

Turkey: $9.95

Mashed potatoes: $1.89

Cranberry sauce: $0.48

Stuffing: $1.58

Pumpkin pie: $1.57

1980

A variety of pumpkins and gourds in different shapes, sizes, and colors are displayed on a bed of straw outdoors in bright sunlight, evoking the abundance often seen at Thanksgiving dinner cost celebrations.
szakalikus/istockphoto

Thanksgiving dinner cost: $43.85

Adjusted for inflation: $183.07

Median household income: $21,020

Turkey: $11.05

Mashed potatoes: $2.27

Cranberry sauce: $0.66

Stuffing: $2.86

Pumpkin pie: $2.66

1981

A marching band moves down the street followed by a Sesame Street float as crowds look on from the sidelines during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
Hulton Archive/Staff/Getty Images

Thanksgiving dinner cost: $47.18

Adjusted for inflation: $176.14

Median household income: $22,390

Turkey: $11.43

Mashed potatoes: $2.44

Cranberry sauce: $0.75

Stuffing: $3.04

Pumpkin pie: $2.94

1982

Elderly Lady Feeding Turkeys on Farm
Bettmann/Contributor/Getty Images

Thanksgiving dinner cost: $48.93

Adjusted for inflation: $168.53

Median household income: $23,430

Turkey: $11.74

Mashed potatoes: $2.46

Cranberry sauce: $0.20

Stuffing: $3.00

Pumpkin pie: $3.13

1983

A family of six poses closely together on a white couch in a living room, perhaps after discussing Thanksgiving Dinner Cost History. Two older adults sit in the center, surrounded by three young women and a baby in festive clothing, all creating a warm atmosphere.
Juanmonino/istockphoto

Thanksgiving dinner cost: $53.25

Adjusted for inflation: $176.85

Median household income: $24,580

Turkey: $11.86

Mashed potatoes: $2.47

Cranberry sauce: $0.22

Stuffing: $3.08

Pumpkin pie: $3.26

1984

Cranberry Sauce
DebbiSmirnoff/istockphoto

Thanksgiving dinner cost: $54.77

Adjusted for inflation: $174.58

Median household income: $22,420

Turkey: $12.33

Mashed potatoes: $2.51

Cranberry sauce: $0.22

Stuffing: $3.16

Pumpkin pie: $3.36

1985

A young boy with brown hair, wearing a green plaid jacket and jeans, sits smiling among large orange pumpkins on straw-covered ground at a pumpkin patch—a reminder of the harvest traditions behind Thanksgiving Dinner Cost History.
GomezDavid/istockphoto

Thanksgiving dinner cost: $56.09

Adjusted for inflation: $172.68

Median household income: $23,620

Turkey: $12.50

Mashed potatoes: $2.50

Cranberry sauce: $0.23

Stuffing: $3.20

Pumpkin pie: $3.40

1986

Two ceramic figurines dressed as Pilgrims, one male and one female, stand side by side behind two small decorative pumpkins against a black background, evoking the tradition and nostalgia of Thanksgiving Dinner Cost History.
JCPPhoto/istockphoto

Thanksgiving dinner cost: $61.27

Adjusted for inflation: $181.57

Median household income: $24,900

Turkey: $17.80

Mashed potatoes: $2.52

Cranberry sauce: $0.25

Stuffing: $2.91

Pumpkin pie: $3.50

1987

A grocery store checkout lane with a cashier in a green apron scanning items, paper grocery bags on the counter, and customers waiting in line. The background shows more shoppers, products, and colorful signage.
Target

Thanksgiving dinner cost: $57.56

Adjusted for inflation: $168.12

Median household income: $26,060

Turkey: $13.60

Mashed potatoes: $2.58

Cranberry sauce: $0.25

Stuffing: $2.91

Pumpkin pie: $3.54

1988

Some cool kids on the McDonald's merry-go-round; 1980s.
pacey-titter/Reddit.com

Thanksgiving dinner cost: $59.94

Adjusted for inflation: $168.27

Median household income: $27,230

Turkey: $14.80

Mashed potatoes: $2.58

Cranberry sauce: $0.25

Stuffing: $3.00

Pumpkin pie: $3.63

1989

A close-up of a pumpkin in a field covered with straw, with several children and adults in the background picking pumpkins on a sunny day—a scene reminiscent of Thanksgiving Dinner Cost History.
SolStock/istockphoto

Thanksgiving dinner cost: $58.85

Adjusted for inflation: $157.84

Median household income: $28,910

Turkey: $13.46

Mashed potatoes: $2.73

Cranberry sauce: $0.27

Stuffing: $3.14

Pumpkin pie: $3.79

1990

A young child in plaid and red overalls gently touches a baby’s cheek as the baby sits on a woman’s lap. The woman, wearing a blue shirt, looks at the children. Indoors, they share a tender moment before Thanksgiving dinner cost conversations begin.
middelveld/istockphoto

Thanksgiving dinner cost: $56.65

Adjusted for inflation: $144.43

Median household income: $29,940

Turkey: $16.05

Mashed potatoes: $2.82

Cranberry sauce: $0.29

Stuffing: $3.10

Pumpkin pie: $3.90

1991

A family sits around a dinner table holding hands in prayer, sharing a peaceful, warm moment before their meal. Their gathering reflects the cherished tradition and changing thanksgiving dinner cost through history.
SeventyFour/istockphoto

Thanksgiving dinner cost: $63.80

Adjusted for inflation: $153.95

Median household income: $30,130

Turkey: $13.34

Mashed potatoes: $2.72

Cranberry sauce: $0.30

Stuffing: $3.11

Pumpkin pie: $3.99

1992

A person wearing gray oven mitts is taking a glass dish with roasted chicken and vegetables out of an oven, capturing the warmth of a homemade meal as Thanksgiving dinner cost continues to be a topic for many families.
elenaleonova/istockphoto

Thanksgiving dinner cost: $64.78

Adjusted for inflation: $152.36

Median household income: $30,640

Turkey: $13.81

Mashed potatoes: $2.67

Cranberry sauce: $0.31

Stuffing: $3.09

Pumpkin pie: $4.02

1993

Two mini pumpkin pies sit on a wooden board surrounded by autumn leaves and small pumpkins, capturing the cozy feel of Thanksgiving. With a bite taken out, the scene hints at memories made and moments shared—perfect for reflecting on Thanksgiving dinner cost.
AlexeyBorodin/istockphoto

Thanksgiving dinner cost: $68.28

Adjusted for inflation: $155.52

Median household income: $31,240

Turkey: $16.94

Mashed potatoes: $2.60

Cranberry sauce: $0.32

Stuffing: $3.01

Pumpkin pie: $4.04

1994

An adult and a child run through a grassy field, flying a kite together on a sunny day. Tall brown grass and trees with autumn foliage evoke the warmth of Thanksgiving Dinner Cost History in the background.
John S Stewart/istockphoto

Thanksgiving dinner cost: $67.03

Adjusted for inflation: $148.91

Median household income: $32,260

Turkey: $15.00

Mashed potatoes: $2.63

Cranberry sauce: $0.32

Stuffing: $3.00

Pumpkin pie: $4.10

1995

A festive autumn meal inspired by Thanksgiving dinner cost history, featuring roasted chicken, baked vegetables, apples, corn, pumpkins, cranberries, pie, bread, and autumn leaves arranged on a wooden table.
katerinasergeevna/istockphoto

Thanksgiving dinner cost: $69.21

Adjusted for inflation: $149.56

Median household income: $34,080

Turkey: $15.85

Mashed potatoes: $2.63

Cranberry sauce: $0.34

Stuffing: $3.09

Pumpkin pie: $4.21

1996

Closed for Thanksgiving
Cheapism / Blakelee Bartik

Thanksgiving dinner cost: $72.54

Adjusted for inflation: $152.60

Median household income: $35,490

Turkey: $16.83

Mashed potatoes: $3.01

Cranberry sauce: $0.34

Stuffing: $3.58

Pumpkin pie: $4.56

1997

A variety of colorful pumpkins and gourds are piled together, showcasing their shapes and textures in orange, green, yellow, and cream—a vibrant reminder of harvest season and the traditions that influence Thanksgiving dinner cost.
mphillips007/istockphoto

Thanksgiving dinner cost: $72.77

Adjusted for inflation: $148.56

Median household income: $37,010

Turkey: $16.84

Mashed potatoes: $3.09

Cranberry sauce: $0.36

Stuffing: $3.66

Pumpkin pie: $4.70

1998

Close up of African American family gathering for Thanksgiving dinner at dining table. Focus is on roast turkey.
Drazen Zigic/istockphoto

Thanksgiving dinner cost: $80.18

Adjusted for inflation: $161.15

Median household income: $38,890

Turkey: $17.14

Mashed potatoes: $4.68

Cranberry sauce: $0.55

Stuffing: $4.15

Pumpkin pie: $5.36

1999

pumpkin pie
RyanJLane/istockphoto

Thanksgiving dinner cost: $81.51

Adjusted for inflation: $161.13

Median household income: $40,700

Turkey: $17.79

Mashed potatoes: $4.72

Cranberry sauce: $0.56

Stuffing: $4.05

Pumpkin pie: $5.36

2000

Butterball Turkey Talk-Line
Tim Boyle/Staff/Hulton Archive/Getty Images North America

Thanksgiving dinner cost: $79.59

Adjusted for inflation: $153.14

Median household income: $41,990

Turkey: $15.65

Mashed potatoes: $4.58

Cranberry sauce: $0.57

Stuffing: $4.04

Pumpkin pie: $5.34

2001

A colorful postage stamp shows a cornucopia filled with fruits and vegetables, symbolizing gratitude and echoing the spirit of Thanksgiving Dinner Cost History, with "WE GIVE THANKS" above and "USA 34" below on an orange and white background.
traveler1116/istockphoto

Thanksgiving dinner cost: $87.79

Adjusted for inflation: $162.85

Median household income: $42,230

Turkey: $18.91

Mashed potatoes: $5.12

Cranberry sauce: $0.58

Stuffing: $4.70

Pumpkin pie: $5.80

2002

A young girl serves food at a dinner table while a boy next to her holds a plate and another looks down. The warm, cozy setting suggests a family meal, perhaps reflecting on Thanksgiving dinner cost traditions through the years.
lisegagne/istockphoto

Thanksgiving dinner cost: $88.08

Adjusted for inflation: $161.54

Median household income: $42,410

Turkey: $18.55

Mashed potatoes: $4.92

Cranberry sauce: $0.57

Stuffing: $4.63

Pumpkin pie: $5.80

2003

roasted chicken
LauriPatterson/istockphoto

Thanksgiving dinner cost: $88.30

Adjusted for inflation: $157.84

Median household income: $43,320

Turkey: $19.34

Mashed potatoes: $4.77

Cranberry sauce: $0.57

Stuffing: $4.50

Pumpkin pie: $5.80

2004

Four young children sit closely together on a couch, smiling and making silly faces at the camera. Dressed in sweaters and plaid or velvet clothes, they bring warmth reminiscent of Thanksgiving dinner cost celebrations, set against a red wall in the background.
ktaylorg/istockphoto

Thanksgiving dinner cost: $91.62

Adjusted for inflation: $160.68

Median household income: $44,300

Turkey: $17.79

Mashed potatoes: $5.57

Cranberry sauce: $0.58

Stuffing: $4.99

Pumpkin pie: $6.29

2005

A person lifts foil from a glass dish of roasted turkey on a kitchen counter, with a bowl of cranberry sauce and a platter of turkey, kale, and grapes nearby.
JodiJacobson/istockphoto

Thanksgiving dinner cost: $93.95

Adjusted for inflation: $160.02

Median household income: $46,330

Turkey: $18.89

Mashed potatoes: $5.49

Cranberry sauce: $0.59

Stuffing: $4.95

Pumpkin pie: $6.29

2006

A woman and two children prepare a festive meal in a kitchen, smiling as they decorate a large roasted turkey, reflecting on Thanksgiving dinner cost history while arranging fruits and vegetables on the counter.
skynesher/istockphoto

Thanksgiving dinner cost: $94.41

Adjusted for inflation: $154.64

Median household income: $48,200

Turkey: $19.63

Mashed potatoes: $5.20

Cranberry sauce: $0.69

Stuffing: $4.81

Pumpkin pie: $6.27

2007

A family sits around a dinner table holding hands in prayer, with a roast turkey, candles, and autumn decorations in the center—capturing the warmth of a holiday gathering and evoking reflections on Thanksgiving dinner cost through the years.
Drazen Zigic/istockphoto

Thanksgiving dinner cost: $100.43

Adjusted for inflation: $161.15

Median household income: $50,230

Turkey: $22.04

Mashed potatoes: $5.71

Cranberry sauce: $0.71

Stuffing: $5.18

Pumpkin pie: $6.65

2008

Two people hug warmly while one holds a freshly baked lattice pie, capturing the joy of gathering despite rising Thanksgiving dinner cost. Two others join in, creating a cozy, celebratory atmosphere with soft lighting in the background.
zamrznutitonovi/istockphoto

Thanksgiving dinner cost: $107.75

Adjusted for inflation: $165.80

Median household income: $50,300

Turkey: $23.86

Mashed potatoes: $6.16

Cranberry sauce: $0.71

Stuffing: $5.56

Pumpkin pie: $7.06

2009

An inflatable turkey with a black hat and red scarf sits on a lawn in front of a house, hinting at Thanksgiving dinner cost history and adding festive cheer to the gray siding and potted plants.
steverts/istockphoto

Thanksgiving dinner cost: $105.08

Adjusted for inflation: $161.64

Median household income: $49,780

Turkey: $23.31

Mashed potatoes: $5.24

Cranberry sauce: $0.74

Stuffing: $5.38

Pumpkin pie: $6.82

2010

cranberry sauce with orange garnish in bowl
bhofack2/istockphoto

Thanksgiving dinner cost: $105.37

Adjusted for inflation: $157.94

Median household income: $49,280

Turkey: $22.08

Mashed potatoes: $5.53

Cranberry sauce: $0.79

Stuffing: $5.58

Pumpkin pie: $6.99

2011

A young boy uses a marker to make a colorful "I'm Thankful" sign with pumpkins and flowers at a table, while others discuss Thanksgiving dinner cost in the background as they prepare for the holiday.
skynesher/istockphoto

Thanksgiving dinner cost: $116.01

Adjusted for inflation: $171.10

Median household income: $50,050

Turkey: $26.96

Mashed potatoes: $6.19

Cranberry sauce: $0.83

Stuffing: $6.06

Pumpkin pie: $7.43

2012

A group of turkeys with black and white feathers stands on green grass outdoors, surrounded by autumn trees and fallen leaves—a scene often reflected upon when discussing Thanksgiving dinner cost history. One turkey displays its fanned tail.
krodere/istockphoto

Thanksgiving dinner cost: $118.10

Adjusted for inflation: $169.23

Median household income: $51,020

Turkey: $27.79

Mashed potatoes: $5.97

Cranberry sauce: $0.84

Stuffing: $5.96

Pumpkin pie: $7.46+

2013

Senior NCOs and officers serve food to Airmen during the Thanksgiving luncheon
U.S. Air Force

Thanksgiving dinner cost: $118.05

Adjusted for inflation: $166.50

Median household income: $51,940

Turkey: $27.20

Mashed potatoes: $5.92

Cranberry sauce: $0.81

Stuffing: $5.98

Pumpkin pie: $7.51

2014

A multigenerational family gathers around a festive dinner table, laughing and hugging. As they enjoy the feast, conversations spark about thanksgiving dinner cost, with turkey, candles, and side dishes filling the table. Two people stand in the background, smiling with drinks.
Drazen Zigic/istockphoto

Thanksgiving dinner cost: $119.50

Adjusted for inflation: $165.93

Median household income: $53,660

Turkey: $27.06

Mashed potatoes: $6.20

Cranberry sauce: $0.83

Stuffing: $6.08

Pumpkin pie: $7.66

2015

A small pumpkin, a place setting with a white plate, fork, knife, and spoon, and a burlap napkin. A brown tag with "Happy Thanksgiving" is tied to the pumpkin.
DNY59/istockphoto

Thanksgiving dinner cost: $122.14

Adjusted for inflation: $169.75

Median household income: $56,520

Turkey: $28.80

Mashed potatoes: $5.93

Cranberry sauce: $0.84

Stuffing: $6.33

Pumpkin pie: $7.82

2016

A silver gravy boat filled with brown gravy sits on a table, with a bowl of mashed potatoes and herbs visible in the background.
bhofack2/istockphoto

Thanksgiving dinner cost: $119.61

Adjusted for inflation: $163.98

Median household income: $59,040

Turkey: $28.43

Mashed potatoes: $5.77

Cranberry sauce: $0.84

Stuffing: $6.16

Pumpkin pie: $7.60

2017

A table set for a festive meal with roast turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, pie, vegetables, bread, and various side dishes. People are serving themselves and reaching for food.
GMVozd/istockphoto

Thanksgiving dinner cost: $119.15

Adjusted for inflation: $159.36

Median household income: $61,370

Turkey: $27.98

Mashed potatoes: $5.86

Cranberry sauce: $0.87

Stuffing: $6.18

Pumpkin pie: $7.62

2018

A giant turkey float with people riding on top moves through a city street during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, reminding spectators of Thanksgiving Dinner Cost History amid the festive atmosphere, buildings, cameras, and cheerful crowds.
GummyBone/istockphoto

Thanksgiving dinner cost: $120.55

Adjusted for inflation: $157.97

Median household income: $63,180

Turkey: $27.14

Mashed potatoes: $5.77

Cranberry sauce: $0.88

Stuffing: $6.55

Pumpkin pie: $7.84

2019

Unrecognizable black father carrying Thanksgiving turkey while serving it for his family in dining room.
skynesher/istockphoto

Thanksgiving dinner cost: $120.36

Adjusted for inflation: $155.31

Median household income: $68,700

Turkey: $26.00

Mashed potatoes: $5.89

Cranberry sauce: $0.88

Stuffing: $6.50

Pumpkin pie: $7.82

2020

Family sitting at the Christmas Thanksgiving table at home in the year of the Coronavirus Pandemic. Grandmother adjust the surgical mask to her grandson. New rules, Covid outbreak, lockdown.
Basilico Studio Stock/istockphoto

Thanksgiving dinner cost: $121.22

Adjusted for inflation: $152.62

Median household income: $68,010

Turkey: $24.24

Mashed potatoes: $5.89

Cranberry sauce: $0.89

Stuffing: $6.54

Pumpkin pie: $7.86

2021

Paradise, California Continues Recovery Efforts From The Devastating Camp Fire
Justin Sullivan/Staff/Getty Images News/Getty Images North America

Thanksgiving dinner cost: $132.88

Adjusted for inflation: $164.99

Median household income: $70,780

Turkey: $29.99

Mashed potatoes: $10.11

Cranberry sauce: $0.99

Stuffing: $6.74

Pumpkin pie: $7.99

2022

whole homemade Thanksgiving turkey with all the sides
Brent Hofacker/shutterstock

Thanksgiving dinner cost: $140.41

Adjusted for inflation: $162.21

Median household income: $74,580

Turkey: $36.20

Mashed potatoes: $11.83

Cranberry sauce: $1.07

Stuffing: $7.70

Pumpkin pie: $9.09

2023

Thanksgiving dinner side dish: mashed potatoes with fresh herbs; rosemary, sage, and thyme. (SEE LIGHTBOXES BELOW for many more holiday food, cooking, vegetables & vegetarian food...)
Funwithfood/istockphoto

Thanksgiving dinner cost: $134.46

Adjusted for inflation: $145.98

Median household income: $80,610

Turkey: $25.40

Mashed potatoes: $12.48

Cranberry sauce: $1.13

Stuffing: $8.31

Pumpkin pie: $9.67

2024

Four people sit at a dinner table holding hands with eyes closed, appearing to pray before a meal. The table, reminiscent of Thanksgiving Dinner Cost History, is set with plates, glasses, salad, and a water bottle against a brick wall backdrop.
martinedoucet/istockphoto

Thanksgiving dinner cost: $166.69

Adjusted for inflation: $175.54

Median household income: $83,730

Turkey: $26.77

Mashed potatoes: $13.15

Cranberry sauce: $1.19

Stuffing: $8.76

Pumpkin pie: $10.19

2025

A group of six adults and one child smile and pose for a selfie around a dinner table filled with food, wine, and dessert, capturing the joy—and perhaps reflecting on the thanksgiving dinner cost—of a cozy, well-lit dining room.
AleksandarGeorgiev/istockphoto

Thanksgiving dinner cost: $175.54

Turkey: $57.00

Mashed potatoes: $13.27

Cranberry sauce: $5.30

Stuffing: $12.45

Pumpkin pie: $7.30

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A family of seven, including children and seniors, sits around a dining table in a kitchen. A woman serves a roast turkey, while everyone smiles, creating a warm, festive atmosphere. Food and drinks fill the table.
u/deleted via Reddit.com

Meet the Writer


Julieta Simone

Julieta Simone is a journalism graduate with experience in translation, writing, editing, and transcription across corporate and creative environments. She has worked with brands including Huggies and Caterpillar (CAT), and has contributed to editorial and research projects in the healthcare and entertainment industries.