If you’re looking to get a leg up on your Thanksgiving dinner shopping this year, you might want to take a closer look at how much things cost.
The turkey tends to be the most expensive item on the menu, so its important to budget wisely for the perfect bird.
But according to data from Finance Buzz, a Thanksgiving meal in New Jersey, specifically the price of the turkey, is higher than the national average — causing families pain in their pocketbooks.
Here’s what you need to know about how much it costs to buy a turkey in New Jersey, on average, and how it compares to the rest of the United States.
How much does it cost to buy a turkey in New Jersey and nationwide?
A 15-pound turkey costs $38.85 on average in New Jersey, 11% more than the national average of $34.65, according to Finance Buzz.
If you’re wondering how New Jersey ranks among other states for turkey prices, it stands in the top 10 most expensive states, tied with South Carolina and Missouri for 10th place.
Nationwide, turkey prices soared 11% in 2025 compared to 2024’s turkey prices.
In 2024, the average price of a turkey nationwide was $31.16. This year, the average price of a turkey nationwide is $34.65.
Here’s the full lineup of states with the highest turkey prices:
- Hawaii: $55.70
- Alaska: $42.35
- Iowa: $41.35
- Montana: $40.85
- Massachusetts: $39.85
- New Hampshire: $39.85
- Vermont: $39.85
- South Carolina: $38.85
- New Jersey: $38.35
- Missouri:$38.35
How can I save money on my Thanksgiving meal?
While a home-cooked meal is the best part about Thanksgiving, it does not have to be a costly endeavor.
Here are some tips on saving money while shopping for the big day:
- Earn credit card rewards while shopping for groceries.
- Clip coupons.
- Shop with a list.
- Shop with the store’s app.
- Buy canned/frozen vegetables.
- Shop at grocery stores, like Walmart, Aldi and Amazon, selling Thanksgiving meals serving up to 10 people that cost up to $40.
- Shop at supermarkets, like ShopRite and BJ’s Wholesale Club, that give away free turkeys when you spend a certain amount on groceries.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
