This is How Much More Thanksgiving Dinner Will Cost You This Year in Iowa

How many random conversations have you had recently where it eventually turned a corner into "how expensive things are these days?"

It seems to be happening frequently (no matter the topic, unfortunately) and as the holidays approach, you can be sure those conversations will continue.

Inflation Is Upon Us

According to Forbes.com, "Food prices have risen 11.4% from August 2021 to August 2022, according to the most recent Consumer Price Index report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Nearly every food item is now more expensive.

11.4% is not a fun price increase especially when most Americans are squeaking by anyway.

What Are We Looking At This Year?

Here are some prices we found at our local Wal-Mart for some Thanksgiving Dinner mainstays:

• 5lb Russet potatoes $2.78 on sale rn normally $4.27
• Dinner rolls $1.28
• Jar of gravy $2.18 on sale normally $2.48
• Stuffing mix $3.48
• Green beans $1.42 per can
• Fried onions $2.68
• Butter $4.97
• Sweet potatoes $2.92 per can
• Marshmallows $1.00
• Frozen turkey $16.98 10-16 lb
• Bakery pumpkin pie $5.94
• Cranberry sauce $1.76
• Onions $2.38 3lb bag
• Celery $.98
• Corn $1.42
• Cream of mushroom soup $1.26

That's not even counting the wine or beer.

via GIPHY

Are you traveling for the holiday?

Don't forget to factor in the price of gas. Gas prices in November 2021 were $3.45.  The national average now is $3.78 according to AAA.  The good news, at least for us, is Kwik Star in Davenport right now is $3.17 per gallon (regular).

Plan Ahead and Look for Deals This Thanksgiving

You can do your own math, but for a family of 4, I'd estimate the dinner to be $55 this year if you buy only the items on the list above at Walmart including sales right now.

Aldi is even helping us out by reverting back to 2019 prices for this season.

That being said, many families, including my own, come together with more than just their own household. We host about 20-24 people each year, which jumps that total up by about 5 times which puts you at $275. Save some cash and stock up on non-perishable things now when they're on sale.

In 2021, the average price for a complete Thanksgiving feast in the U.S. amounted to 53.31 U.S. dollars.  The American Farm Bureau Federation announced Wednesday that "families can expect to pay record high prices at the grocery store for turkey" due to bird flu and inflation.

Let's be thankful for coupons this year and for family members who volunteer to bring a dish to pass.