Thanksgiving Dinner Costs Rise: What Shoppers in Nevada Need to Know
In the busy aisles of a Reno Raley’s, frozen turkeys are stacked high, ready to play the starring role in Thanksgiving feasts. However, this year, shoppers might find themselves pausing to scrutinize the price tags just as much as the turkeys themselves.
According to FinanceBuzz, the average national price for a frozen turkey increased from $2.08 per pound last year to $2.31 in 2025, marking an over 11 percent rise. A typical 15-pound turkey now costs approximately $32 for Nevada residents.
Local grocery stores reflect varied pricing:
- Walmart: $0.97 per pound
- Save Mart: $1.99 per pound
- Raley’s: $2.79 per pound
Side dishes aren’t offering much financial respite either. While Idahoan instant mashed potatoes are priced at three for $5 at Raley’s, they are two for $3 at Save Mart, and slightly over $1 each at Walmart.
One of the most significant price hikes is seen in cranberries. The cost of a standard 12-ounce can of cranberry sauce soared 46 percent from $2.34 to $3.41 nationwide.
Experts attribute these increases to supply chain disruptions as well as higher costs in packaging and processing. Collectively, these factors contribute to a more expensive holiday meal for families.
Frank Fossen, an economics professor at the University of Nevada, Reno, explained that both global and domestic dynamics are driving these price surges. He suggested a potential governmental measure to alleviate these pressures: “And so that’s something that could be done by decreasing the tariffs, to lower the cost of imports and goods that need imports to be produced,” Fossen says. Lower tariffs could potentially decrease the costs of products reliant on imported materials, including canned goods and ingredients crucial for holiday dishes.
Despite the full shelves and waiting turkeys at the grocery stores, many Nevadans might find themselves engaging in more diligent comparison shopping this Thanksgiving to keep festivities within budget.
