That can make things very tough on families throughout Minnesota and beyond, as households are already stretched by higher grocery bills, gas prices, and everyday living costs. You may be wondering just how much extra to budget for those back-to-school costs, and according to a new report, it may be more than you expected. Get our free mobile appA typical basket of school supplies costs almost 8% more, and the usual lunch staples are up close to 11% as well. Retailers are fighting back on price, and last year one major chain actually rolled back its back-to-school costs, with notebooks starting around 35 cents and dozens of essentials under five bucks. Nearly half of parents — 45% — say they plan to borrow just to afford back-to-school shopping this year, according to survey data, choosing a little debt over telling their kids no.