As families gear up to celebrate Independence Day, grocery prices for holiday cookouts remain near record highs—but New York shoppers may catch a break compared to the rest of the country.
According to the 2025 American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) survey, the national average cost for a typical July 4 cookout for 10 people is $70.92, or $7.09 per person. While that marks only a slight drop of 30 cents from last year’s record, New York’s average cost is significantly lower at $58.91, or $5.89 per person—more than 20% below the national figure.
“Inflation and lower availability of some food items continue to keep prices stubbornly high for America’s families,” said AFBF Associate Economist Samantha Ayoub. “High prices don’t mean more money for farmers, however. Farmers are price takers, not price makers.”
In New York, ground beef, chicken, and pork chops were all notably cheaper than national averages. For example, two pounds of ground beef cost $10.67 in New York compared to $13.33 nationwide. Three pounds of pork chops cost $11.47, versus $14.13 nationally. Even two pounds of chicken breasts were priced lower—$5.96 compared to $7.79.
Still, some items in New York cost more than the national average. A can of pork and beans in the state averages $3.71, about a dollar more than the national price of $2.69. Homemade potato salad costs $3.77 in New York, slightly higher than the national average of $3.54.
The report also shows mixed trends across food categories. The cost of pork chops, chips, and hamburger buns dropped from last year, while prices for beef, potato salad, and canned beans went up. AFBF says factors like cattle supply shortages, steel tariffs, and elevated egg prices continue to influence costs.
Despite the high prices, the U.S. still ranks as one of the countries where consumers spend the smallest share of their income on food.
AFBF President Zippy Duvall credited American farmers and ranchers for the country’s food independence. “Farmers are dedicated to doing the right thing, and their commitment to sustainable and innovative farming practices ensures a safe and abundant food supply for every family in America,” he said. Duvall also urged Congress to pass a modernized five-year farm bill to support the industry.
The AFBF survey, now in its 12th year, relies on volunteer shoppers to record prices from all 50 states and Puerto Rico. It focuses on common cookout staples like cheeseburgers, pork, chicken, sides, and dessert items.
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