The cost of a Fourth of July cookout has dipped slightly from last year’s record high, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation. The average cost per person to celebrate a Fourth of July cookout is $7.09, down from a record $7.12 in 2024. This year's costs are the highest since tracking began in 2013. Although the 2025 estimate is down 0.4%, costs are still up 4.7% compared to 2023. Ground beef prices rose 4.4% amid a tighter cattle supply, and potato salad prices increased 6.6% due to costlier eggs. Canned pork and beans also increased due to higher aluminum costs from tariffs. Pork chops, chips, and hamburger buns saw slight year-over-year declines. Food-at-home prices remain up 2.2% year-over-year, keeping inflation at the forefront of consumers' minds.
