Thanksgiving dinner costs $52, 3 percent more than last year, survey says

A market basket survey by New York Farm Bureau volunteer shoppers finds a nearly 3 percent price increase for the average Thanksgiving Day dinner over last year's cost.

The average total price this year, which includes a 16 pound turkey, is $52.30. That's $1.36 more than last year's total of $50.94. Turkey prices are $1.65 per pound, up 12 cents a pound on average in this informal survey.

The Farm Bureau says the rise in turkey prices is likely due to a decline in production following the avian influenza outbreak in the Midwest earlier this year.

The increase in turkey prices is partially offset by a decline in other prices, including for a gallon of whole milk, which has dropped 53 cents from last year at this time.