Dinner Costs a Little Less This Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving dinner will cost you a little less this year—44 cents less to be exact—according to a 34-state survey from the American Farm Bureau Federation, picked up by Business Insider. A 10-person feast with turkey and all the trimmings—including stuffing, sweet potatoes, rolls, veggies, cranberries, and pumpkin pie with whipped cream—plus enough for leftovers, costs about $49.04 this year, a drop from 2012's $49.48. At about $5 per serving, it's "an excellent value for consumers," AFBF's president said.

The most expensive buy is of course the turkey, which averages $1.36 per pound—down three cents from last year—or $21.76 for a 16-pounder. Newser points out that wine and other alcoholic libations aren't included in the grand total. Don't have time to dress a turkey? And more penny-wise news: Assuming you're not the host, driving to Thanksgiving dinner will be a little cheaper, too: The Los Angeles Times reports national gas prices are down 16 cents per gallon over last year, to an average $3.27 a gallon. (Read more Thanksgiving stories.)