Gas Prices Down, Turkey Meal Costs Up

The cost of a Thanksgiving dinner is on the rise, but the travel over the rivers to grandmothers house in Florida is expected to be a little cheaper at the pump from a year ago.

While a barrel of oil rose slightly in the past week in part on greater consumer confidence, AAA reported that a gallon of regular gas stood at $3.37 in Florida, down 6 cents from both a week and a year ago.

"Although oil prices inched up slightly, retail gas prices are expected to fall throughout the month," AAA spokeswoman Jessica Brady stated in a release.

"Pump prices continue to look more attractive to travelers who plan to take a Thanksgiving road trip this year."

Meanwhile, the cost of a Thanksgiving dinner has edged up slightly because of the meals traditional centerpiece, the turkey.

The American Farm Bureau Federation has estimated it will cost $49.48 to feed 10 people turkey and all the fixings this year, up 28 cents from a year ago.

The 16-pound turkey that the meal is built around is going to cost about $22.23, a 66-cent jump from a year ago because the summer drought resulted in higher feed prices.

Item -- 2011 Price -- 2012 Price -- Difference

16-pound turkey -- 21.57 22.23 + 0.66

Misc. ingredients -- 3.10 3.18 + 0.08

Rolls, 12 -- 2.30 2.33 + 0.03

1-pound relish tray (carrots and celery) -- 0.76 0.76 No change
.
Whipping cream, half pint -- 1.96 1.83 - 0.13

Cubed stuffing, 14 oz. -- 2.88 2.77 - 0.11

Sweet potatoes, 3 lbs. -- 3.26 3.15 - 0.11

Milk, 1 gallon whole -- 3.66 3.59 - 0.07

Fresh cranberries, 12 oz. -- 2.48 2.45 - 0.03

Green peas, 1 lb. -- 1.68 1.66 - 0.02

Pumpkin pie mix, 30-oz. -- 3.03 3.02 - 0.01

Pie shells (2) -- 2.52 2.51 - 0.01

TOTAL -- 49.20 49.48 + 0.28.