FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 12, 2025
PHILADELPHIA – With the cost of grocery prices rising across the country, Philadelphians can expect to pay as much as $79 for the traditional Thanksgiving dinner this year. The total cost marks an increase of almost 19% over last year.
The price of a 16-pound turkey has risen by $5.76 compared to last year, contributing significantly to the overall uptick in costs. Consumers can also expect to pay more for bread and potatoes this year, up 23% and 48%, respectively.
A breakdown of the traditional Thanksgiving meal items to feed 10 in Philadelphia:
| Item | 2024 | 2025 | $ Diff | % Diff |
| Turkey 16 lb. | $27.04 | $32.80 | $5.76 | 21.3% |
| Whole Milk | $4.92 | $4.13 | ($0.79) | -16.1% |
| Pumpkin Pie Mix | $3.89 | $5.82 | $1.93 | 49.6% |
| Whipping Cream | $3.66 | $6.44 | $2.78 | 76.0% |
| Cubed Stuffing, 12 oz | $3.50 | $3.32 | ($0.18) | -5.1% |
| Green Peas, 1 lb. | $2.82 | $2.53 | ($0.29) | -10.3% |
| Dinner Rolls 12 rolls | $4.09 | $5.03 | $0.94 | 23.0% |
| Sweet Potatoes, 3 lbs. | $2.96 | $4.39 | $1.43 | 48.3% |
| Fresh Cranberries, 12 oz | $2.32 | $2.14 | ($0.18) | -7.8% |
| Pie Shells | $5.42 | $5.82 | $0.40 | 7.4% |
| Mis. Ingredients/Relish Tray | $5.98 | $6.50 | $0.52 | 8.7% |
| Total | $66.60 | $78.92 | $12.32 | 18.5% |
Fifty years ago, the cost for a traditional Thanksgiving meal was less than $19. Many items were significantly less in 1975, especially the turkey that cost just over $6 compared to today’s $32.80 price tag. Although prices have risen sharply across the Thanksgiving menu, two staple items have remained relatively stable. A pound of green peas only increased by $0.70 and a 3-pound bag of potatoes is $1.20 more than it was five decades ago.
The estimated cost of Thanksgiving items was based on the average prices collected from grocery stores throughout Philadelphia.
Visit https://controller.phila.gov/ to view the City Controller’s October 2025 Municipal Money Matters.
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