Here's what's more—and less—expensive this year for Fourth of July: Cookouts, fireworks, gas prices

Fast Company

02-07-2025

Amid tariffs, inflation, and the rising cost of living in the United States, it's no surprise that this Fourth of July could be pricier than in years past. But not all items are more expensive. From gas prices and fireworks to your weekend cookout, here's a breakdown of how much certain things will cost this holiday.
July 4 gas prices are down
First, the good news: Filling up your car before hitting the road this Fourth of July weekend won't break the bank.
A record 61.6 million people are expected to travel by car—more than ever before— according to the American Automobile Association. AAA forecasts a 2.2% increase in travel compared with 2024, making it the highest number on record.
Fortunately, gas prices are down from $3.49 per gallon last year, to an estimated nationwide average of between $3.10 and $3.15 per gallon this year, according to GasBuddy, as reported by CNN. That would make gasoline the cheapest it's been for July 4 since at least 2021.
July 4 firework prices skyrocket
Now, the bad news. Most fireworks—which historians believe were developed in the second century B.C. in ancient Liuyang —are imported into the U.S. from China: 99% of consumer fireworks and 90% of professional display fireworks, to be exact, according to the American Pyrotechnics Association (APA).
And they are going to be a lot more expensive this year, due to the Trump administration's ongoing tariff war with Beijing, which currently slaps a 30% tax on all Chinese imports.
The tariffs could result in fewer and pricier fireworks on the shelves and at shows this holiday, according to CBS News. It could even affect America's 250th anniversary celebrations next summer, per the APA.
'The timing of the tariffs couldn't have hit at a worse time. The majority of U.S. importers told China, 'Do not ship our product; we can't afford to pay,'' APA executive director Julie Heckman told CBS News. 'It's creating a supply-chain problem.'
How much will your July 4 cookout cost this year?
Before firing up the grill, you might want to take note of how much your barbecue is going to cost.
According to the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), the average price of a Fourth of July picnic for 10 will cost $70.92, down slightly from $71.22. That makes it the second-most expensive Independence Day for food since 2013, when the organization first started tracking costs.
The AFBF's survey offers a snapshot of prices families are facing this summer, for cookout favorites including cheeseburgers, chicken breasts, pork chops, potato salad, strawberries, and ice cream.
You can blame it on inflation and supply issues: 'Inflation and lower availability of some food items continue to keep prices stubbornly high for America's families,' AFBF associate economist Samantha Ayoub said.