Fourth of July Cookout Costs Surge to Record Highs

Americans face the most expensive Independence Day barbecues, with meat prices driving the increase.

The average cost for a 10-person cookout is $71.22, a 5% increase from last year.
Ground beef prices have risen 11%, while pork chops are up 8%.
Despite overall inflation easing, food prices remain significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels.
Consumers are expected to spend a total of $9.4 billion on food for July 4 celebrations.
Regional price differences show the West as the most expensive, with the Northeast being the least.