How much did a 16-pound frozen turkey cost?
A 16-pound frozen turkey cost $21.71 in 2018 and $21.50 in 2025: 1% less.
Over the same years, prices in general (US inflation, measured by the consumer price index, CPI) rose by 28%. That makes $21.71 in 2018 worth about $27.83 in 2025 money. So, after inflation, it is cheaper than in 2018: about 23% less in real terms.
In the years listed, the highest price was $21.71 in 2018 and the lowest $19.39 in 2020. The biggest change between two listed years came between 2020 and 2025, when it went up 11%, from $19.39 to $21.50.
Thanksgiving turkey: price by year
| Year | Price | In 2025 dollars |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | $21.71 | $27.83 |
| 2019 | $20.80 | $26.19 |
| 2020 | $19.39 | $24.12 |
| 2025 | $21.50 | $21.50 |
"In 2025 dollars" adjusts each amount for inflation with the CPI, so the years can be compared fairly. How this works.
Where the numbers come from
From the American Farm Bureau Federation's yearly Thanksgiving survey: volunteer shoppers price the same classic menu for 10 people each November.
Source: American Farm Bureau Federation: AFBF Thanksgiving Dinner Cost Survey item price tables. View the source.
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