Gobbling up the budget: The high price of Thanksgiving in Nome

The national price of Thanksgiving dinner for ten people this year is expected to cost about $62, or $6.20 per person. That’s according to a survey by the American Farm Bureau Federation released earlier this month (Nov 15). 

The findings come from a survey conducted the first week of November (1-6) by “volunteer shoppers” who checked prices in all 50 states and Puerto Rico.

The survey shopping list included turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, rolls, peas, cranberries, veggies, and a pumpkin pie with whipped cream. But in rural Alaska, geographical challenges and transportation costs contribute to a high price tag for the classic Thanksgiving feast.

If you’re shopping for the same items in Nome, be prepared to spend a combined total of over $127 (127.46), or nearly $13 a person. That’s 205% more than the national average. You’ll need to make stops at both city grocery stores Hanson Trading Co. (Safeway), and Alaska Commercial Company.

Turkey prices have dropped nearly 6% (5.6) nationwide since 2022, thanks to a decrease in cases of avian influenza. The average cost of a turkey this year is $27.35 according to the survey. But the most expensive item on the menu is the turkey. In Nome, it’ll cost you more than $20 more for a turkey of the same size. 

The feast is most expensive in the Northeast ($58.66) and West ($63.89), followed by the Midwest ($58.66) and South ($59.10), according to the survey.

_{(Photo at top: A 16lb. turkey from Alaska Commercial Co. in Nome costs over $47, or $2.99/lb. The average price for a turkey this year is $27.35 according to the study)}