How Much More Your 2025 4th Of July Cookout Will Cost In Illinois

It's all festive until you check your bank account.

Whether you're hosting the family/neighborhood 4th of July cookout or attending it, you know a plate this year is going to cost more than it did in 2024.

Wells Fargo's Agri-Food Institute analyzed the cost of what they're calling a classic 4th of July gathering for 10 people. Here's the menu:

• barbecued chicken breasts
• beef sliders
• hot dogs
• fresh fruit
• veggie platter
• potato salad
• cornbread
• cake
• apple pie
• ice cream
• beer
• wine
• soda
• flavored sparkling waters

Pretty solid menu, really. The average cost of that menu for $10 people is expected to be around $130.

The breakdown of prices this summer as compared to last looks like this:

• barbecued chicken breasts up 1% (if you're a burger fan, ground beef is up 7.4% from last year)
• hamburger and hot dog buns are down about 1.5%
• barbecue sauce is up 2.3%
• watermelon and strawberries are down 0.6%
• cauliflower and broccoli are up 1.2%
• baby carrots are up 1.9%
• cherry tomatoes are up 3.7% from last year
• eggs are still 40% higher than last year
• potatoes are up 1%
• cornbread is up 2.4%
• apple pie is up 1.5%
• ice cream (1.5 quarts) is up less than 1%
• beer, red, white, and sparkling wines are up less than 2%
• liter bottles of root beer/sodas are up 2%
• flavored sparkling waters are up 4.7%
• tariffs could impact certain beers and wines this year

Compare that $130 price tag to last year's cookout for the same 10 people, which was about $71.22 according to the American Farm Bureau Federation.

And in addition to the food, you've got to get the fireworks, decorations or accessories, you get the picture. And someone good working the grill. It's not a cheap holiday but it can be some good food!