TULARE COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) — As millions of Americans prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving, the price per plate will be higher this year. The American Farm Bureau Federation, or AFBF reports the average cost for a 16lbs turkey is up about 40%. “I have seen the increase already in the stores. There are various different factors going on right now — there was the recent H5N1, and within the last couple of years that affected the dairy industry but also the poultry industry,” says Christopher Greer, the Assistant Agricultural Commissioner and Sealer of Weights and Measures for Tulare County Greer says he has noticed prices are also climbing for holiday staples like ham and canned goods. The AFBF survey shows the national average cost of a classic Thanksgiving dinner for 10 people is about $59. 18. But here on the West Coast, that number jumps to $67. 05. “I think it really falls down to California just being generally a more expensive state, so you see in those western states that are all more expensive in a lot of things,” mentions Greer. ABC Price Tracker: See grocery, housing and gas prices where you live Travel costs are also shifting. AAA says flights are pricier this year, 1% higher for domestic and 15% higher for international flights, but car rental and hotel costs are down, 15% for car rentals and 3% for hotels. Plus, gas prices remain high, up about nine cents per gallon compared to last year. “The reason for that is there’s still the impact of the El Segundo fire at the refinery down in Southern California. That has a big impact on supply. That refinery was down for a little bit, and we saw a gap from Southern California, which didn’t have as much supply as they usually do,” explains AAA Spokesperson, Doug Johnson. AAA recommends fueling up before the holiday and checking prices along your route before hitting the road. AAA says the busiest travel times will be Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Sunday after, starting around 10 a. m. So if you can, it would be best to leave on Monday or any day before 10 a. m.
https://abc30.com/post/rising-costs-thanksgiving-dinner-travel-nationwide/18171551/