Comparing Thanksgiving Meal Prices As Costs Rise
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- When every penny counts for many families, the cost of Thanksgiving doesn't leave many people "thankful."
Last year a turkey dinner for 10 people cost $49.20.
This year that price is climbing nearly 30 cents to 49.48.
While that doesn't seem like a lot, it's up 14 percent since 2010.
WCCO learned tonight that before you put the bird in the oven, you might want to get out the scissors and clip some coupons.
Our team didn't do that tonight while shopping and we were surprised when we went in search of the top four items on most grocery lists -- turkey, stuffing, cranberries and sweet potatoes.
WCCO hit three different stores in St. Louis Park.
Byerly's, Trader Joe's and Cub.
Most shoppers agreed all the fixings are more expensive.
"The price has more than quadrupled since we moved to Minnesota in 2000," said shopper Ann Stoneman.
Said Dorothy McInturie: "I feel like the whole economy is going up a little bit."
Our shopping trip did have some surprises. And without using any coupons and keeping the sizes of each item the same:
Byerly's was the cheapest at a little more than $27.
Cub was right around $30, while Trader Joe's turkey was the most expensive, pushing the total to $40.
"I'm going to wait and buy a little closer to Thanksgiving," Stoneman said.
Experts say waiting is the best way to go, so you can maximize coupons and sales leading up to the holiday.
Some stores said they'll start offering better deals starting Thursday, so check out those inserts or online ads before you head out to the store to stock up the fridge.
