Thanksgiving Dinner Cost Calculator

Pinning down what your Thanksgiving will cost comes down to two inputs: how many people you're feeding and how far your menu reaches. The breakdown here turns those into a clear meal estimate so the trimmings don't blow past what you expected. For a benchmark, the American Farm Bureau Federation's 2025 survey priced its classic dinner for 10 (turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, rolls, peas, cranberries, a veggie tray and pumpkin pie with whipped cream) at $55.18, 5% less than in 2024.

The estimate is built line by line. The turkey is sized at 1.5 pounds per guest and priced at $1.50 a pound; side dishes cost $3, $5 or $8 per guest for a Basic, Traditional or Elaborate menu; there is one $15 pie for every 6 guests, rounded up, and $3 per guest for drinks; and decorations add $10, $25 or $50 depending on the menu. The five lines add up to the total, which is divided by the guest count for the per-person figure.

Build in a little slack for guests who show up unannounced or dishes added at the last minute; running slightly over beats running short. Non-food items, decorations, serving ware, a fresh pack of paper towels, quietly add up too. The estimate most people miss is specialty or organic ingredients, which can move the final bill considerably.