An annual report from Farm Bureau adds up the costs of an average Fourth of July barbeque outing for friends and family. With inflation on the mind of consumers, here’s a look at how much this year’s meal could cost and how that compares to recent years.Last year’s Farm Bureau Fourth of July basket cost came in lower than the record $71.22 set in 2024. This year, records are back with the average cost of items for 10 people coming in at $73.82, up 4% from 2025’s total.An annual list since 2016, this year’s Farm Bureau survey lists the costs as the highest in survey history, with the 4% rise in line with the overall 12-month U.S. inflation of 4.2%. Broken down by food item, here’s a look at some of the costliest and highest rising cost items for 2026:
Two pounds of ground beef: $14.06, +5.5%
One pound of cheese: $3.60, +1.7%
Hamburger buns: $2.53, +7.7%
Two pounds of chicken breasts: $8.06, +3.5%
