Americans Expected to Spend Over $15 Billion During Fourth of July Weekend
July 1, 2025
As the nation prepares to celebrate Independence Day, Americans are expected to spend more than $15 billion over the holiday weekend, according to national consumer spending estimates and travel forecasts.
A significant portion of that spending will go toward traditional Fourth of July staples, including food, beverages, fireworks, and travel. A recent report from Capital One Shopping projects that Americans will spend approximately $13.3 billion on food and drinks alone. Fireworks sales are expected to contribute another $2.2 billion, as communities across the country plan public displays and families stock up for backyard celebrations.
The American Automobile Association (AAA) is forecasting a record-breaking travel season, with an estimated 72.2 million Americans traveling at least 50 miles from home between June 28 and July 7. This includes 61.6 million expected to travel by car and another 5.8 million by air, making this the busiest Independence Day travel period on record.
“The Fourth of July falling on a Friday this year is giving many families the opportunity to extend their plans into a long weekend,” said Paula Twidale, Senior Vice President of AAA Travel. “We’re seeing significant increases in bookings for both short getaways and longer trips.”
According to a national consumer survey by FinanceBuzz, the average American celebrating the holiday expects to spend around $170. Another report from LendingTree indicates that number could be even higher, with some age groups — particularly Millennials and Gen Z — planning to spend an average of $270.
In total, consumer spending surrounding Independence Day has been trending upward in recent years, driven by rising prices, an increase in travel, and a general desire to return to pre-pandemic levels of celebration. The National Retail Federation reported that July 4th is consistently among the top spending holidays, and this year appears to be no exception.
Despite concerns about inflation and the cost of living, many Americans continue to prioritize summer travel and family celebrations.
