Football fans around the country will notice gas prices and groceries aren't the only items to have increased in price this fall.

The cost of attending an NFL game is also higher this season.

According to Team Marketing Report, an average ticket to an NFL game is $72.20, which is 7.9 percent higher than it was last season. TMR's research also found that the Fan Cost Index (FCI) -- which tallies the average cost of four tickets, two beers, four soft drinks, four hot dogs, parking for one car, two programs and two adult-sized hats -- increased 7.1 percent to $396.36.

Fans in New England are paying the most to watch their team play. According to TMR's research, tickets to the Patriots' home games increased 29.6 percent from last season to an average price of $117.84 this year. For a family of four to attend a game in Foxborough, Mass., the FCI is about $596.25.

The defending Super Bowl champion New York Giants raised their average ticket prices 8.3 percent to $88.33 this year. That price ranks them fourth in the TMR report (behind New England, Chicago and Tampa Bay).

It's significantly cheaper for New York residents to travel outside of Manhattan and instead watch the Buffalo Bills. The Bills boast the lowest prices in the league, with the average cost of a ticket at $51.24, and with the FCI at a league-low $298.96.

So in a struggling economy, how can fans afford to attend an NFL game? Try these tips to cut costs while cheering on your hometown team.

Don't Drive To The Game
The average price of parking for an NFL game is $21.75. Instead of paying the hefty fee -- not to mention gas money -- look into public transportation options. If that isn't a reasonable option, ask a friend or a relative to drop you off at the stadium and pick you up after the game.

Eat Before You Go, Or Tailgate There
Prices at concession stands can be outrageous on game day. The average price of a hot dog at an NFL stadium is $4.13, which is close to the cost of an entire pack of hot dogs at the grocery store. To cut costs, eat before you go to the game. Otherwise, depending on what you decide to serve, bringing your food with you and tailgating before the game is another cheaper option. If you're with a group of people, you can also turn your pre-game meal into a potluck.

Opt For Soda Instead Of Beer
When deciding what to wash your food down with during the game, take a look at the prices before you order. The average cost of a beer at an NFL stadium this year is $6.80. That's $3 more than the average price of a soda ($3.80).

Don't Buy Unnecessary Items
Instead of buying a program at the game (which costs an average of $4.66 this season), take the sports section from the morning paper with you to the stadium. Also, resist the souvenir stands. According to the TMR research, a hat sold at stadiums costs an average of $15.62 this season.