Fourth of July Cookout Costs Reflect Inflation

As Americans prepare to celebrate the Fourth of July, and mark the nation’s 250th anniversary, many families will gather in a familiar way: around the grill with burgers, sides, lemonade and dessert.

According to the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 2026 Summer Cookout Cost Survey, a classic Independence Day cookout for 10 people will cost $73.82, or about $7.38 per person. That is an increase of $2.90, or 4%, from last year.

The basket includes summer cookout staples such as cheeseburgers, chicken breasts, pork chops, potato chips, pork and beans, fresh strawberries, homemade potato salad ingredients, fresh-squeezed lemonade ingredients, chocolate chip cookies and ice cream.

While this year’s total is the highest since Farm Bureau began conducting the summer cookout survey in 2016, the increase closely reflects broader inflation. The cost of the cookout basket rose about 4%, while overall inflation in the United States increased 4.2% over the 12 months ending in May. That means families are seeing higher prices at the grocery store, but this year’s cookout cost is generally moving in line with the broader economy.

Source: AFBF