Thanksgiving dinner may be cheaper than your in-laws’ jokes, costing an average of $58.08 this year, but with 19% inflation since the pandemic, it’s still a feast worth considering couponing for!

Despite the lingering effects of inflation, Thanksgiving dinner is surprisingly cheaper this year than your in-laws' comedy routine, with prices dropping 5% since last year—landing at the lowest inflation-adjusted cost in nearly four decades. While the price of key items like cranberry sauce has spiked 12%, savvy shoppers can still navigate the grocery aisles for deals, especially if they're willing to embrace private label brands and loyalty programs as their secret weapon against holiday meal spending.

For those in the Southern region of the country, Thanksgiving dinner is shaping up to be slightly more economical at an average of $56.81. Meanwhile, those residing on the West Coast might want to breathe into a paper bag as they fork over $67.05 for the same feast. This geographical disparity is supported by statistical evidence, proving once again that while turkeys fly south for the winter, dinner prices may not follow suit—everyone and their turkey have their breaking point.

It’s also noteworthy that the purchase of a 16-pound turkey, the star of the holiday spread, now costs $25.67. That’s a 6% decrease since last year. Some may call this a Thanksgiving miracle, while others may just be relieved it’s not the year 2020 again, where every trip to the grocery store felt like a gouging contest. Yet, I suspect the adage ‘you get what you pay for’ still prevails; after all, the turkey still needs to taste better than the stuffing.

A closer examination of key Thanksgiving items reveals a mixed bag of price fluctuations. While turkey prices may have dropped, other staples such as stuffing mix and dinner rolls have seen an 8% uptick. That sounds about right—just when you’re getting comfortable with the idea of saving a few bucks, the grocery store inevitably throws you a curveball while you're negotiating the delicate balance between carbs and side dishes.

In the grand scheme of grocery price inflation, the Consumer Price Index warns us of an overall increase of 1.3% year-over-year. So yes, while the turkey may have become a more wallet-friendly option, expect certain items like fresh cranberries to imitate a ballerina, rising gracefully (well, maybe not so gracefully) with a 12% increase this year. It’s as if they decided they simply must be the star of the show, much like that one cousin who insists on performing a dance number at every family gathering.

To put it all into perspective, median household wages have risen by approximately 25% since 2019. So while Thanksgiving prices might be lower this year, there is still a careful clamber to be done over the grocery list, making sure to keep an eye on the price tags without hyperventilating.

Interestingly, retailers appear to have taken note of these Thanksgiving trials and tribulations, offering discounts and promotions that encourage shoppers to plan carefully and, dare I say, strategize their way through the food aisles. Coupled with some keen awareness of private-label brands, which can often spare your wallet from suffering too much during the holiday blitz, shoppers are in a slightly better position to avoid future post-Thanksgiving monetary regrets.

In the end, Thanksgiving dinner remains a staunch reminder of food inflation's impact, yet, thanks to the resilience of resilient turkey eaters everywhere, the iconic meal has managed to adjust to modern-day financial realities. So grab those coupons, stock up on sweet potatoes while they’re on sale, and prepare for a holiday that may not be light on family drama but at least offers a competitive pricing strategy on mashed potatoes.