Fourth of July Celebrations Cost More in Kentucky Based on Study

Your Fourth of July picnic is going to be expensive this year, especially if you live in Kentucky. The price of ground beef, chicken, produce, ribs, and just about everything else has remained high, but will it affect your holiday celebration? According to new data, it will be more expensive to host a barbecue this Fourth of July. Here's how the research breaks down.

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Let's face it, going to the grocery store is no fun. Especially, if you're planning a 4th of July cookout. As grocery store prices continue to rise, decisions have to be made. How many people should you invite to your get-together? What meals to serve and not break the bank? Cheeseburgers, pork chops, chicken breasts, and ribs are barbecue staples, but summer cookouts are getting more expensive. Are you having a party this year?

BEST & WORST STATES TO HOST A BBQ FOR 4TH OF JULY REVEALED

In a new study by Total Shape, they analyzed the current cost of grocery items including beef, cheese, and bread, and compared that against the average salary in each state. So, how does Kentucky compare to other states? Not great!

South Dakotans are paying the highest average at the grocery store, followed by people in Georgia. Kentucky comes in third, based on the research.

In Kentucky, a 10-person BBQ will cost $139, with the most expensive item being beef at $17.03 per kg. This is closely followed by cheese at $13.60/kg which is 10% higher than the national average ($12.36).

Most hosts will find that their party is considerably more expensive this year than last Independence Day, as sausages now cost 26% more than they did in 2022, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Price Index (CPI).

The price rises even further for those hoping for more than the usual spread of sausages, cheese, beef, chicken, bread, and beer; with sirloin steak now 14% more expensive than in May last year, cookies up 14%, potato chips up 15%, and even flour costing 22% more.

TIPS TO HELP EASE THE FINANCIAL STRAIN

Fourth of July is supposed to be fun! Whether you're heading out to a parade, playing games in the backyard, hosting a picnic, or watching fireworks, take photos and make some memories. Make your celebration fun for the whole family, and don't stress!

A Total Shape spokesperson shared some helpful advice ahead of the 4th of July holiday, “With food prices up across America in the last year, many of us will be left worried about covering the cost of our usual holiday celebrations this summer - especially for the Fourth of July, which is a chance for the whole family to get together.

As well as utilizing the usual tactics to keep costs low - including keeping an eye out for seasonal deals, taking advantage of coupons, buying in bulk and freezing portions, and opting for own-brand products - there are some specific money-saving tips for BBQ hosts can follow this year:

• See whether your guests can split the bill to cover the food, or bring their preprepared dishes to the cookout. This will help take the pressure off the host.

• Try to include vegetarian mains where possible, as large portions of grill-friendly vegetables like mushrooms and tomatoes are currently cheaper than meat.

• Implement a ‘bring your own beer’ rule, so you don’t have to worry about buying liquor or alcohol in bulk. Then you can focus your resources just on food.