How much will that Thanksgiving meal cost you? Would it be cheaper to pick something up?

Thanksgiving is fast approaching, and if you prepare for the cost of the annual meal, you can breathe a little easier.

The American Farm Bureau Federation have estimated the price of this year’s meal will drop by 5 percent from last year. And compared to those across the United States, residents of the South will pay less for all of these ingredients.

Here’s a breakdown of what you might pay for that Thanksgiving meal.

Estimated cost of your Thanksgiving dinner in 2024

American Farm Bureau Federation’s Thanksgiving dinner study found that the classic party for 10 will cost $58.08, down 5% from last year.

However, it is 19% higher than five years ago.

Here is the breakdown:

• Turkey, 16 pounds: $25.67

• Cranberries, 12 ounces: $2.35

• Sweet potatoes, 3 pounds: $2.93

• Carrots and celery, half a pound each: $.84

• Green peas, 16 ounces: $1.73

• 9” pie shells, two: $3.40

• Cubed Stuffing Mix, 14 ounces: $4.08

• Dinner rolls, 1 dozen: $4.16

• Pumpkin Pie Mix, 30 ounces: $4.15

• Sweet milk, 1 gallon: $3.21

• Whipped cream, 1/2 pint: $1.81

Prices for ham, russet potatoes and frozen green beans were added to the 2018 survey to reflect several Thanksgiving favorites, all of which showed a year-over-year reduction in price, the federation said.

When including the extra items, the meal price rose to $77.34, or $7.73 per person.

Thanksgiving Dinner: Compare the cost of a home meal with takeout or dining in

There is no doubt about it. Eating at home is much cheaper than picking up something from the restaurant or taking the whole gang out to eat.

Of course, that doesn’t include the time and effort to buy all the ingredients, cook and then clean up afterwards.

We used Cracker Barrel’s Heat n’ Serve Turkey Feast and its eat-in meal to compare costs. Costs may vary at other restaurants. For a meal designed to feed a family of 10, expect to pay:

• Heat n’ Serve Turkey Takeaway Feast: Prices start at $184.99,

• Dine-in meal: Prices start at $17.99 per person, so expect to pay $179.90 or more.

➤ What’s on Cracker Barrel’s Thanksgiving to-go menu in Florida? Are they open for dining?

Did prices rise or fall in 2024 for Thanksgiving ingredients?

Seven items dropped in price this year, including turkey, sweet potatoes, frozen peas, a vegetable tray with carrots and celery, pumpkin pie mix, pie crusts and whole milk, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation.

The biggest increases came from processed products. Dinner rolls and cubed fillings both increased by over 8% from 2023.

The price of fresh cranberries rose 12 percent after falling 18 percent between 2022 and 2023.

What is the biggest price for Thanksgiving meal?

It should come as no surprise that the turkey is the biggest hit to your Thanksgiving meal budget.

The turkey accounts for an average of 43% of the total dinner cost, the American Farm Bureau Federation said.

Prices in Turkey fell 6 percent this year, despite fewer birds being raised due to bird flu. USDA estimated per capita demand for turkey decreased one pound from 2023 to 13.9 pounds per person. That drop in demand pushed prices down, the federation said.

The South pays less for Thanksgiving dinner than other US regions

Where you live is a factor in how much you pay for the treats on the table, with the South paying less than any other region.

Costs by region:

Florida’s favorite Thanksgiving pie might not be what you think

Holiday calendar delved into the most important part of that Thanksgiving meal—we may or may not be exaggerating here; you be the judge – that favorite pie by state.

Florida’s favorite pies:

Compare them to the favorite Thanksgiving pies in the rest of the United States:

• Coconut cream, sweet potato, cherry, pumpkin (3 states each)

• Chocolate Cream Blueberry: (2 states each)

• Rhubarb (looking at you Maine!)

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Thanksgiving meal costs, breakdown