Thanksgiving does not have to cost as much

If you are one of the tens of millions of people who plan to go shopping this weekend, Thanksgiving may seem like another important part of your holiday budget. How many bottles of wine per person?

But the annual Thanksgiving survey of the American Farm Bureau Federation offers a different type of table. This dinner is a little more humble. It's alcohol-free and cheaper than it was. It's a useful perspective on what a family feast can be like across the country.

According to the Farm Bureau, the average cost of a Thanksgiving dinner for 10 people is 48.90 USD, or less than 5 USD per person and slightly down from last year. This is the average bill for 166 buyers in 37 states, showing the best deals from a list that has not changed since 1986.

The total has been declining for several years now, due to low turkey prices, and when inflation is taken into account, it remains relatively stable. Here is the complete list of purchases, with this year's average prices.

• Turkey of 16 pounds: $ 21.71

• Pack of 14 ounces of stuffing: $ 2.87

• 3 pounds of sweet potatoes $ 3.39

• A dozen rolls: $ 2.25

• 12 ounces of fresh cranberries: $ 2.65

• 1 pound of green peas: $ 1.47

• 1 gallon of milk: $ 2.92

• 2 pie crusts 9 inches: $ 2.47

• 30 ounce box of pumpkin pie mix: $ 3.33

• Half a pint of whipping cream: $ 2.08

• Vegetable platter of one pound: $ 0.75

• Coffee and other various ingredients (butter, condensed milk, onion, eggs, sugar, flour): $ 3.01

"Bargain buyers in every region of the country should be able to purchase individual menus at prices comparable to those of the Farm Bureau survey," the organization says.

CNBC put this to the test around New York, where prices would be expected to be higher. But a reporter could get everything for a treat at around $ 100 at Whole Foods and $ 45 at Walmart, albeit on a different list, arguably more modern.

Of course everyone's party is different and other informal surveys suggest a much more expensive holiday. Market auditors who responded to our survey estimated that the cost was several times the Farm Office average.

For decades, the American Farm Bureau Federation has been calculating the average cost of a Thanksgiving feast for 10 people (excluding alcohol). ? Without looking, can you guess the total?

– Marketplace (@Marketplace) November 16, 2018

LendEDU began administering a Thanksgiving survey last year and found that the average American will spend $ 175.65 this year, an increase of about $ 10 from the previous year. last year, including travel expenses.

In his investigation of people hosting a Thanksgiving dinner, LendingTree found that the feast feeds an average of 11 guests. Guests spend $ 251 on food and $ 83 on plates, decorations and other supplies.

This survey also asked respondents how much work they were missing. Those who took a leave of absence sacrificed an average of $ 587 in salary. More than a quarter of hosts said Thanksgiving was a financial constraint, but 76% of hosts also said they like to do it.

Is there a better lesson for the holidays? Whether serving an organic bird or a frozen butter ball, it's important to weigh the cost of your emotions.