Turkeys to Trimmings Unveiling the Price Tags of America’s Thanksgiving Feast
The Cost of Thanksgiving Dinner A Look at Expenses
The Pricey Feast: Thanksgiving Dinner Costs More Than Ever Before!
Thanksgiving dinner for 10 people has always been a delightful celebration, filled with mouth-watering dishes and joyful laughter. But this year, it comes with a hefty price tag that might make your wallet shed a tear. According to the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), the average cost of Thanksgiving dinner for 2023 is a whopping $61.17 per meal! That’s more expensive than any pre-pandemic year, leaving us all gobsmacked.
Now, you might think swapping out the turkey for ham or cranberry sauce for a veggie tray could save you some bucks. But alas, fate has other plans. These alternative options, apart from whipping cream, have decreased the most in price compared to last year. So, if you’ve ventured down that road, your dinner bill might have hit new heights!
But wait, there’s more! The cost of Thanksgiving dinner isn’t solely determined by what delightful delicacies adorn your table. Oh no, it gets even more complicated. Brace yourselves, for people in certain areas of the United States are expected to pay even more this year. Now, let’s take a wild ride across America to see how your Thanksgiving dinner grocery bill stacks up in 2023!
The Great Feast Divide: Where Does Your State Stand?
The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) gathered data and unveiled intriguing insights about the varying costs of Thanksgiving dinner across the United States. So, let’s embark on a culinary adventure, shall we?
The Midwest – Home of Affordable Feasts
Drum roll, please! The Midwest takes the crown for the most affordable Thanksgiving dinner in 2023, with an average cost of $58.66 for 10 guests. This region boasts a delightful menu that won’t break the bank for these states:
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- Illinois, Indiana, and Iowa
- Kansas, Michigan, and Minnesota
- Missouri, Nebraska, and North Dakota
- Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin
If you’re from one of these states, count yourself lucky for enjoying a feast that won’t burn a hole in your pocket!
The South – Savoring Southern Savings
Picture warm weather, southern hospitality, and a Thanksgiving dinner that won’t make your wallet cry. Yes, the South experiences the second most affordable Thanksgiving dinner for 2023, with an average cost of $59.10 for 10 people ($5.91 per person). However, hold your grits! Dinner costs can still vary significantly from one Southern state to another. So, keep an eye on that grocery bill, especially if you reside in Florida or the Carolinas.
The Northeast – Where the Table Groans and Pockets Weep
Now, brace yourselves for the big spender of Thanksgiving dinners – the Northeast! This region, which includes bustling cities like New York and New Jersey, takes the crown for the most expensive Thanksgiving dinner. Hold onto your gravy boats, folks! The average cost for 10 people in the Northeast is a staggering $64.38! That’s more than last year’s record-setting average for the entire United States. So, if you’re planning a feast in the Northeast, better have a sturdy budget handy.
The West – A Close Contender
Don’t you just adore sunsets, palm trees, and a classic Thanksgiving dinner with a California twist? Well, get ready to chew on this – the Western region, which includes the Golden State of California, is a close second in the expensive dinner race. With an average cost of $63.89, it’s only $0.16 less than the national average for last year. So, folks in the West should prepare their pockets for a feast that might leave them reaching for the stars.
The Sneaky Food Tax: When Turkeys Meet Taxes
Now, imagine you’re all set to embark on this Thanksgiving dinner extravaganza, but wait, there’s a villain lurking in the shadows – the dreaded food tax! Some states across America still tax groceries, making our Thanksgiving dinner experience even more pricey than we’d like.
For example, residents of Mississippi might find themselves forking out more money to feed their families. Why? Well, Mississippi taxes groceries at a hefty 7%. So, although the average Thanksgiving dinner cost for the Southern region is $59.10, residents of the Magnolia State might have to pay more than $63 to get their fill.
But fear not! Some states have reduced their grocery tax, giving us a glimmer of hope…or should I say, a sprinkle of seasoning for our savory feast?
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In the lovely state of Virginia, they’ve eliminated their portion of the grocery tax, but beware, a 1% local sales tax still applies. So, watch out for that sneaky tax while you’re buttering up your rolls!
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Over in Missouri, the grocery tax is 1.225%. But hold your horses! Local taxes can exceed a whopping 8% in some areas of the state. So, keep those calculators handy and budget wisely!
On a Lighter Note: Related Content
If you’ve made it this far, congratulations! You’re now an expert on the cost of Thanksgiving dinners across the United States. But if you’re still hungry for more knowledge or seeking tips to stretch your budget, check out these mouthwatering tidbits:
- The ‘Food Tax’: Grocery Tax by State
- How Inflation Can Impact Your Taxes
- Thanksgiving Travel Updates
So, fellow feasters, remember, Thanksgiving is not just about the cost of dinner but the joy shared with loved ones. Bon appétit to all, and may your wallets survive this season of delicious indulgence!
Please note: The figures and information in this article are intended for entertainment purposes only. Prices may vary based on location and individual shopping habits.
Did you enjoy this feast of information? Share your thoughts and Thanksgiving traditions in the comments below – we’d love to hear from you!
