The overall cost of a typical turkey dinner in Canada is up this year compared to 2025. A study by the Agri-Food Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University found that the cost of a Thanksgiving dinner for four people with turkey as the star of the show is expected to cost $35.72 this year. That’s up 10 per cent from 2025, when Thanksgiving dinner cost $32.48. “We’re expecting turkey to be more expensive. Carrots and potatoes as well are likely going to drive the cost of a Thanksgiving dinner higher this year by 10 per cent,” food professor Sylvain Charlebois tells CTV News Ottawa. The study’s prices are based on a 7-lb. whole turkey at $1.79/lb ($12.53), and includes potatoes, carrots, dinner rolls, pumpkin pie, cranberries, stuffing and gravy. Think a different protein may save you some money? Think again. According to the study, the dinner for four with ham as the main course is expected to cost $36.37 this year. It cost $34.87 in 2025. “Beef kind of complicated things, and poultry has been under pressure for quite some time,” said Charlebois. Tips to save money Charlebois says last year there were a lot of bargains. “It was actually quite easy to save some money, but not this year,” he said. He says you may be able to find some good deals, despite what’s being advertised, but “you’re going to have to work a little hard this year.” He says since it’s early in the week, if turkey is your choice, “get out now; buy frozen.” Consider sharing the costs, he suggests. “Don’t be shy to ask for help if you’re hosting. More and more people are basically welcoming extra, salads, desserts, and things like that, just to help out because food prices, food affordability is such a big issue right now,” he said. “Everyone knows that hosting is more expensive. And so, so sharing the financial burden of hosting a Thanksgiving dinner is actually something that is in fashion.”
