Thanksgiving dinner in Arizona projected to cost almost 3% more in 2024 than last year

PHOENIX — Putting Thanksgiving dinner on the table this year will cost almost 3% more for Arizona families than it did last year, according to the state’s top agricultural department.

Turkey dinner with all the trimmings will cost $53.83 for a family of 10, according to the Arizona Farm Bureau. That means Thanksgiving costs around $5.33 per person.

Julie Murphree, the communications director with the Arizona Farm Bureau, said turkeys are 7 cents more this year compared to 2023. However, other festive essentials have larger price hikes, such as cube stuffing, pie shells and sweet potatoes.

“One of the things I want to highlight in this report is this is about sales,” Murphree told KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Arizona’s Morning News on Wednesday. “So it’s kind of the front end.”

The projected higher costs reflect an overall increase of $1.49 — or 2.8% more than how much a Thanksgiving meal cost in 2023, according to the bureau.

Inflation is a key reason why many families are struggling to put food on the table. That’s why several charities are holding turkey drives.

How did Arizona leaders find out Thanksgiving costs were up?

The bureau came up with their cost estimate by sending surveyors to grocery stores across Arizona to note the costs of different food items found in a typical Thanksgiving meal.

These surveyors were volunteer leaders from the Arizona Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Committee.

These were the items they price-checked the week of Nov. 4:

• Turkey.
• Stuffing.
• Sweet potatoes.
• Rolls with butter.
• Peas,
• Cranberries.
• A veggie tray.
• Milk.
• Pumpkin pie with whipped cream.

It should be noted they were instructed to price-check in quantities that would be enough to feed a family of 10 with room for leftovers.

Arizonans who want to cut their Thanksgiving costs can go to the farm bureau’s website for tips on stretching their dollars at the grocery store.