Not surprisingly, a recent survey found that Californians will spend more than those in other states to host Thanksgiving dinner this year.
According to a Go Banking Rates research published in November, the Golden State had the fifth-highest average cost for hosting Thanksgiving dinner, at $70.19.
By looking at the prices of common Thanksgiving items including turkey, stuffing, potatoes, and pie, the study calculated and disseminated the costs of Thanksgiving meal in each state.
The top five states with the highest Thanksgiving meal costs are as follows:
| State | Thanksgiving Dinner Cost (2024) |
| Hawaii | $80.02 |
| Alaska | $73.84 |
| Maryland | $70.66 |
| Nebraska | $70.29 |
| California | $70.19 |
Because of their remote locations and expensive food shipment, Hawaii and Alaska ranked first and second, respectively.
At $58.20 and $58.21, respectively, Georgia and Kansas have the lowest lunches. The study found that Georgia and Kansas have lower costs because of their substantial agricultural supply and reduced living expenses.
Overall, Thanksgiving dinner will still cost more than it did before the outbreak, but it will be less expensive than in prior years nationwide.
More coverage on Thanksgiving:
- Celebrate Thanksgiving with Free Meals at These Connecticut Spots
- Enjoy a Free Thanksgiving Meal at These Southern California Spots
- Second Harvest of South Georgia Delivers Thanksgiving Meals to Those in Need
According to The American Farm Bureau Federation’s 39th annual Thanksgiving dinner poll, the average price of a Thanksgiving dinner for 10 people this year is $58.08, which is 5% less than in 2023 but still 19% more than in 2019.
Turkeys were used as centerpieces at some Thanksgiving tables, which reduced the overall expense of the meal. A 16-pound turkey costs, on average, $25.67, or $1.60 per pound, which is 6% less than it was the previous year.
The complete study is available here.
