Thanksgiving 2025 isn’t shaping up to be the kind of holiday that many people remember. As inflation continues to wreak havoc on the US economy, many people are finding themselves trying to find a way to put together a meal that their family will love without breaking the bank. A recent study conducted by Talker Research on behalf of Chime shows that Thanksgiving spending in 2025 is expected to be the most expensive in history. In fact, the survey shows that the average American is expected to shell out $1,000 when you account for food, travel, décor, and other miscellaneous costs.

While turkey has long been the most expensive part of most Thanksgiving dinners, this year looks a bit different. In addition to the increased cost for side dishes, travel costs are soaring, resulting in a tighter squeeze on the average American household. Whether you’re hosting dinner for family or making plans to visit loved ones on the other side of the country, you need to know how Thanksgiving inflation is going to affect you. We’ve got you covered with the information that you need to avoid sticker shock as you put together your holiday plans.

The Numbers Behind the Thanksgiving Price Surge

When you dive into the numbers behind the Chime survey, the picture is eye-opening. The average American is planning to spend around $175 on food, $110 on drinks, and $83 on decorations. Miscellaneous costs, which include everything from new appliances to new outfits, are the highest figure for hosts, coming in at $291 on average. For those who are traveling instead of hosting, the cost is expected to come in at around $293. When everything is added up, it comes to $952, making this the most expensive Thanksgiving many people have ever celebrated.

Talker Research broke down the numbers even further, publishing figures on a per-plate basis. For the sake of the survey, researchers assumed that each host would have eight guests. Based on the data collected, the cost comes to around $21.88 per plate. While that may not seem like much on the surface, the fact remains that this figure is higher than the average household has had to account for in recent years.

59% of people polled say that they don’t only consider Thanksgiving as a single day, but as a season of gatherings. This approach can multiply costs, resulting in an even higher tab than the original numbers indicate.

What’s Driving The Numbers?

There are several issues behind the numbers. Travel costs are higher, especially when you account for transportation, accommodation, and lodging. It’s also expected that these rates are higher as the travel industry tries to recoup some of the money that was lost during the recent government shutdown. While Thanksgiving is certainly a wonderful time to get together with friends and family members, these higher costs may make it difficult for some Americans.

Second, while the prices of some groceries are returning to normal, it appears that many people are planning to spend more on decorations and other materials to upgrade their celebrations. Some families view Thanksgiving as a special opportunity to splurge, even if they’re dealing with some financial stress.

Finally, the survey revealed that 45% of respondents feel some level of pressure to create the “perfect Thanksgiving celebration.” Those who are hosting are expanding their holiday budget in the name of exceeding the expectations of their guests, resulting in a higher-than-normal average cost across the board.

Adjusting Plans Without Forfeiting Celebrations

When faced with the rising costs of Thanksgiving 2025, many households are looking for ways to adjust their plans without completely forfeiting their plans. Roughly 43% of respondents said that they have set a specific budget for the holiday, showing that Thanksgiving inflation is promoting earlier and more careful planning.

Younger generations, including millennials and Gen-Z, are looking for ways to do things differently. Some are trimming the guest list and hosting smaller gatherings, while others are taking more of a potluck approach to the holiday, asking guests to bring side dishes, desserts, or drinks. Based on survey results, 31% of respondents in these generations are trimming their guest lists, while 29% are asking guests to bring items with them.

Some members of younger generations are even making sweeping changes to the menu, opting for things like roasted chicken or pizza instead of turkey and the traditional Thanksgiving sides. These changes may seem nontraditional, but they keep the spirit of the holiday alive and well.

Even though some people are adjusting, the fact remains that some changes are simply not possible. Trimming the guest list can help, but travel costs remain high. Households that have accepted higher costs in previous years now must decide between making changes or simply upping their budgets once again.

What This Means for You

The impact of these rising costs likely varies from one person to the next. For instance, if you’re planning to travel to see your loved ones for Thanksgiving, the rising cost of food may not directly affect you. Similarly, if you’re hosting guests, you may not need to worry about the personal impact of increased travel costs. Still, this doesn’t mean that you won’t feel the impact. It’s possible that some guests whom you would love to see may not be able to fit higher travel costs into their budgets.

On a broader level, the pressure to spend more can place you under some pressure, whether you’re hosting or traveling. While there’s nothing wrong with wanting to make the holiday a great one, it’s important that you don’t put yourself in financial jeopardy going forward. Don’t be afraid to make some changes to your plans in the name of avoiding financial stress, especially with Christmas just around the corner.

A New-Look Thanksgiving

This Thanksgiving may not look like those in the past, but that doesn’t mean that you cannot enjoy the holiday with your loved ones. Prices are rising, but by making some changes or preparing your budget ahead of time, you can make sure that you create memories that will last a lifetime with the people you love the most.