Philadelphians will spend about 19% more on Thanksgiving dinner this year compared to last

A frozen turkey in the grocery store.
The Controller's report found that a 16 pound turkey is up more than $5 in 2025. Photo credit Spencer Platt/Getty Images.

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Philadelphians will have to dig deeper into their wallets to put Thanksgiving dinner on the table this year.

According to a new report released by the Philadelphia Controller’s Office, Thanksgiving dinner will cost 19% more than last year.

In 1975, it cost less than $19 for a traditional Thanksgiving meal for 10 people, said Controller Christy Brady.

That was 50 years ago. Now, a 16-pound turkey in Philadelphia goes for about $32.80 — up from $27.04 in 2024.

“Apparently, there is a turkey shortage across the nation, and it’s also affecting Philadelphia,” said Brady. “The price of a 16-pound turkey has risen by $5.76 compared to last year.”

A 12-pack of dinner rolls, for example, is projected to cost $5.03, up from $4.09.

However, some items are actually less. Twelve ounces of fresh cranberries are down 18 cents from last year. Whole milk is down to $4.13 from $4.92.

Overall, Philadelphians can expect to pay about $79 for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, compared to $66 a year ago, according to the report.

“For families across the city, they’re going to face that pinch at the grocery store,” said Brady, “but hopefully everyone will still have a very happy Thanksgiving.”

Featured Image Photo Credit: Spencer Platt/Getty Images.