Fourth of July cookout costs hit record high, Michigan shoppers catch a break

Hosting a Fourth of July cookout this year will cost more than ever — but Michigan families may have a little more reason to fire up the grill.

The 2026 American Farm Bureau Federation annual marketbasket survey found this year’s cookout will cost $73.82 for 10 guests — the highest price since the organization began tracking costs in 2016.

However, after adjusting for inflation, cookout costs have remained relatively stable in recent years and remain below the previous peak reached in 2022.

Michigan below national average

Michigan families can expect to spend a bit less.

The state’s average cookout cost came in at $66.06 for 10 people, or $6.61 per person — about $7 lower than the national average.

“Despite that, a farmer’s share of the food dollar is around 6 percent after expenses, so there is often a disconnect between grocery store prices and what is happening at the farm,” said Theresa Sisung, Michigan Farm Bureau’s commodity and regulatory relations manager.

What’s going up — and why

The national average is up $2.90 from last year, a roughly 4 percent increase which is in line with the overall U.S. annual inflation rate of 4.2 percent for the 12 months ending in May.

Ten of the 12 items tracked in the survey saw price increases. Among the biggest drivers:

• Ground beef (2 lbs.): $14.06, up 5.5%
• Strawberries (2 pints): $5.27, up 12.4%
• Pork and beans (32 oz.): $3.06, up 13.8%
• Hamburger buns (1 pkg.): $2.53, up 7.7%

America’s ranchers continue to rebuild their herds following years of severe drought, which has kept beef supplies tight.

A devastating frost in Florida early in the spring hurt strawberry crops, driving prices higher. And the rising cost of aluminum sent canned pork and beans up 37 cents from last year.

Sisung said it’s important to understand what’s actually happening between the farm and the store shelf.

“A farmer only gets about 16 cents of every dollar that you spend on food,” Sisung said. “So, even if you’re seeing the cost of your groceries go up, that doesn’t mean that the price the farmer is receiving is actually increasing.”

Transportation costs are also a significant factor. Sisung noted that higher fuel and freight costs are rippling through the food supply chain and showing up at checkout.

Shoppers feel the pinch

Michiganders said they’re already adjusting to sticker shock.

“Everything’s up, that’s about it — but at the end of the day you need food, so you do what you do, you cut out other places,” said Victoria Hadley of Detroit.

For some, that means trimming plans for the holiday altogether. Detroit resident Hunter Chamberlain said he’s not planning to host this year.

“Buying 10 burgers and buying 20 burgers, it’s a big difference. And then you have to have all the things that go on the side,” Chamberlain said.

LeJuan Council, also of Detroit, said rising prices are making him more intentional about his 4th of July menu.

“It makes you think a little bit about what the menu choices will be — about waste, to make sure that you’re measuring your food and you’re buying up for the folks you’re going to have over and not overspending and having all those leftovers that you can’t use,” Council said.

Two bright spots: Chips, potato salad

Not everything costs more this year. Two items on the classic cookout menu actually got cheaper.

Potato salad dropped 17.8 percent from last year, falling to $2.91. Chips also dipped slightly, down to $4.76, a modest $0.04 decrease from 2025. The survey credits the markdown to a healthy potato harvest.

Egg prices also fell after flocks recovered from avian influenza, offering some relief in the aisle.

How to save at the checkout

Sisung said that regardless of where prices go, savvy shopping can help stretch every dollar.

“When I opened up my grocery ad for this week, pretty much all of the things that were on this list are on the front page of my grocery ad of things that are on sale,” Sisung said.

Her advice: Check weekly ads, clip coupons and use grocery store apps to find the best deals before heading to the store.

Sisung also encouraged shoppers to buy local when possible — especially now, as Michigan’s summer produce season heats up.

“We are now in strawberry season. We’ve got cherries out there. So if you can, go to a U-Pick or go to a farmers market and support those local farmers if possible,” Sisung said.

Broader picture

The federal government’s Consumer Price Index shows an overall increase of 4.2 percent for all items, while food specifically is up 3.1 percent compared to a year ago.

Farm Bureau’s informal marketbasket survey examines only foods commonly associated with summer cookouts.

For Michigan shoppers, that means this holiday weekend might cost a bit more but with a little planning, the cookout can still go on.

Full price breakdown: 2026 Fourth of July cookout for 10

Source: 2026 American Farm Bureau Federation annual marketbasket survey