Americans are gearing up for a festive Thanksgiving, and new data from Talker Research on behalf of Chime® reveals that celebrations will cost an average of about $1,000 this year—covering everything from food and travel to décor and those inevitable last-minute surprises.
Here's how that breaks down: about $175 for food, $110 for drinks, $83 for décor, $291 on miscellaneous expenses like fixing an appliance or buying a new outfit, and another $293 for travel among those hitting the road. With the average host feeding eight people, each plate comes out to about $21.88. Last year, Chime's internal data showed that the highest grocery-spending day was the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, accounting for nearly 60% of total Thanksgiving-week food spending, underscoring just how much of the holiday budget gets wrapped up in those final, last-minute stock-ups.
However, even with higher prices, many Americans are finding ways to save. More than a third (35%) say they plan to spend less this year than in years past—41% less on average—by hosting smaller gatherings (31%), asking guests to contribute dishes (28%), choosing more affordable brands, or skipping travel altogether. Millennials are leaning into a more minimalist approach (36%), while Gen Z is focusing on small cost-saving swaps, like opting for cheaper brands (28%) or staying closer to home (24%).
The research shows that Thanksgiving itself is also expanding. The average person will attend three different celebrations this year—from smaller dinners with their immediate household (58%) to traditional extended-family gatherings (51%) and Friendsgivings (30%). Nearly two in five Gen Zers even split the day between different sides of the family, which may explain why 59% of Americans now say Thanksgiving has become a full "season," not just a single day.
With more celebrations to plan for, budgeting is becoming part of the ritual. 43% of Americans set a holiday budget in advance, and millennials are leading the way (53%). About half (49%) start planning and saving one to two months before Thanksgiving, while another 39% begin even earlier.
Still, the social pressure to create the "perfect" holiday remains. Nearly half (45%) of respondents say they feel it—and opinions are split on who should foot the bill. One in three baby boomers believes the host should cover everything, while 33% of Gen Z think costs should be divided evenly.
But through it all, one theme sticks: people want connection, not financial stress. As Janelle Sallenave, Chime's Chief Spending Officer, puts it, "No matter your budget, there are easy ways to make the season more affordable—plan your menu early, set spending limits, and don't be afraid to ask guests to pitch in. Thanksgiving should be about connection, not cost."
And while 63% of respondents admit it's expensive to get together with family, most agree that small financial choices—from splitting the cost of a meal to setting a clear budget—can make a big difference in celebrating without stress.
*Survey Methodology:
Talker Research surveyed 2,000 Americans who celebrate Thanksgiving, split evenly by generation (500 Gen Z, 500 millennials, 500 Gen X and 500 baby boomers) who have access to the internet; the survey was commissioned by Chime and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between Oct. 17 to Oct. 23, 2025. A link to the questionnaire can be found here.
