Sure, it's fun to brainstorm big-batch cocktails, make some Mason jar Americana, and dream about massive amounts of grilled corn. But hosting a barbecue can be an expensive hassle—especially when it's the big one: Independence Day. However, a recent survey revealed that this year's Fourth of July celebrations won't be as costly as you'd expect.

The informal survey, conducted by the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), shows that the average cost for a summer cookout for 10 people is $55.84, just over $5.50 per person, which is a 3-percent decrease from last year. "Prices of beef have continued to increase this year, but prices for other meats are generally declining," says John Anderson, a deputy chief economist at AFBF. "Dairy prices are also quite a bit lower … and fuel prices have generally been lower this year compared to last."

The menu AFBF used as an example included hot dogs and buns, cheeseburgers and buns, pork spare ribs, potato salad, baked beans, corn chips, lemonade, chocolate milk, watermelon, and condiments like ketchup and mustard. From there, 88 bureau members in 30 states marked the retail prices of each item at their local grocery stores. Without any fear of sticker shock, feel free to fire up the grill and start flipping burgers, dogs, kabobs, wings, ribs—you name it. Just don't forget to pick up some of the best summer beers. Oh, and invite us over.

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