A traditional Thanksgiving feast holds a special meaning for everyone. For some, it’s all about the classic side dishes like creamy mashed potatoes with gravy or indulgent sweet potato casserole. For others, it’s the irresistible desserts—think pecan and pumpkin pie—that steal the show. However, no dish is more deeply tied to the spirit of the holiday than the iconic roast turkey.
A golden, perfectly roasted turkey is the star of the Thanksgiving table, serving as the centerpiece of the celebration and often the most anticipated item on the holiday shopping list.
While food prices have reached historic highs in recent years, there’s a silver lining for Thanksgiving planners: the cost of the holiday’s centerpiece, the turkey, has remained relatively stable. According to a new report from the Wells Fargo Agri-Food Institute, turkey prices are "almost unchanged from a year ago"—a welcome relief after years of price fluctuations.
The report reveals that name-brand turkeys are about 2% cheaper this year, while store-brand options have seen a slight 5% increase. Despite this, store-brand turkeys remain a more budget-friendly choice overall.
Choosing the right turkey brand is just one piece of the puzzle. Deciding where to shop for your bird can significantly impact your budget. A recent Finance Buzz report compared the cost of Thanksgiving staples—including a 12-pound whole frozen turkey, instant mashed potatoes, and canned cranberry sauce—across major grocery chains. Prices were sourced from stores in U.S. cities with an average cost of living, using data from each retailer’s official website.
The study uncovered significant price variations for turkeys and trimmings depending on the retailer. Unsurprisingly, premium grocery chains were among the priciest places to purchase a turkey. Publix topped the list, charging $34.44 for a 12-pound bird, followed by Wegmans ($32.38) and Whole Foods ($29.88).
In contrast, more budget-conscious shoppers can expect to pay around $20.88 on average for their turkey. Kroger ($22.68) and Hy-Vee ($19.08) offered options close to this price point, making them solid mid-tier choices.
It’s worth noting that turkey prices may vary depending on weight and location, and recent promotions may offer savings beyond the report's figures. Many retailers have introduced deals on turkeys and meal bundles, making it even easier to find an affordable option for 2024.
For those hunting for the best bargains, the report highlights the top major retailers offering the cheapest turkeys this Thanksgiving season.
H-E-B
The cherished Texas-based grocer, H-E-B, continues to be one of the most budget-friendly spots for securing your holiday turkey this year. According to the study, shoppers can expect to pay approximately $17.76 for a whole turkey at H-E-B in 2024—a notable $6 drop from last year’s price. However, the overall cost of Thanksgiving essentials at H-E-B saw a slight increase, rising from $41.56 to $43.42 year-over-year, as reported by Finance Buzz.
Aldi
Rapidly expanding discount chain Aldi, renowned for its low prices, once again ranks among the most affordable options for turkey shoppers this year. According to the study, Aldi offers a whole turkey for just $12.84 this fall—$2.40 less than the previous year’s price. While some stores may offer slightly cheaper turkeys, Aldi stands out as the top choice for overall Thanksgiving savings. The report crowned Aldi the most affordable retailer for an eight-person Thanksgiving meal, with the total cost coming to just $34.83.
Idaho-based supermarket giant Albertsons offers another excellent option for a budget-friendly Thanksgiving turkey, with a whole bird priced at just $11.88, according to the study. With hundreds of locations across the West Coast and Southwest, Albertsons is also one of the more affordable choices for a complete holiday meal. The report calculated the total cost of an eight-person Thanksgiving feast from Albertsons at $44.51.
Walmart
Renowned for its "everyday low prices," Walmart, America’s largest grocery retailer, is a natural contender on this list. According to the study, Walmart offers a whole turkey for just $11.88—the same price as Albertsons. With over 4,600 locations nationwide, Walmart’s expansive reach ensures that more Americans can take advantage of its affordable turkeys, earning it a higher ranking. However, the report notes a slight price increase of 12 cents compared to last year.
Walmart also secured the runner-up spot for the most affordable Thanksgiving dinner overall, with an eight-person meal priced at $35.83—nearly $6 higher than last year’s total. Only one retailer managed to beat Walmart’s deal on a holiday turkey, according to the study.
Target
Target, last year's runner-up for the cheapest Thanksgiving turkey, has claimed the top spot in this year’s report with a whole turkey priced at just $9.48—a $2.40 drop from last year. The popular big-box retailer also tied with Aldi for the lowest-priced pumpkin pie at just $4.99. Adding up the turkey, pie, and all the trimmings, the total cost for a Thanksgiving dinner from Target came to $36.52, earning it third place overall behind Aldi and Walmart.