Thanksgiving meal costs are lower than last year, but by how much?

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) - With Thanksgiving just a week away, Coachella Valley shoppers are already filling grocery aisles and making tough choices as holiday food prices continue to pressure family budgets.

The American Farm Bureau Federation reports that the cost of a classic Thanksgiving dinner for 10 people is averaging $55.18 this year, a 5 percent decrease from 2024. The drop is mainly tied to lower retail prices for turkey, often the priciest item on the holiday table.

But even with the slight break, not everything is cheaper. Ingredients like sweet potatoes and frozen vegetables have seen noticeable price increases, creating challenges for families trying to keep their holiday spending under control.

Across the Coachella Valley, residents say they are feeling the mixed impact. Some are shopping earlier, visiting multiple stores for deals, or scaling back menu items. Others are planning potluck-style gatherings to share the cost.

As Thanksgiving approaches, the combination of modest price relief and rising costs for other staples continues to shape how families across the Coachella Valley prepare for the holiday.