Anticipation is high for the spookiest night of the year. About 74% of Americans plan to celebrate Halloween in 2026, up from 73% last year and 68% in 2019, according to the National Retail Federation.
Prices are still top of mind. NRF found that 79% of shoppers expect tariffs to push prices higher this year. Even so, Americans are on track to spend a record amount on candy, costumes and decorations.
How much does America spend on Halloween? What are Halloween shoppers spending the most money on? Find out and see how your Halloween spending compares — if you dare. Plus, get tips to avoid a scary credit card bill with the holiday season just around the corner.
U.S. Halloween spending statistics
Total Halloween spending is expected to reach a record $13.5 billion in 2026. That’s up from $13.1 billion in 2025 and $11.6 billion in 2024.
The average person plans to spend $115.14, another record, up from $114.45 last year. (NRF)
How Americans plan to celebrate
- 61% will hand out candy
- 50% will dress in costume
- 42% will decorate their home or yard
- 42% will carve pumpkins
- 42% will watch scary movies
Where the dollars go overall
- Costumes: $4.4 billion (71% plan to buy)
- Decorations: $4.3 billion (78% plan to buy)
- Candy: $4.1 billion (96% plan to buy)
- Greeting cards: $0.8 billion (42% plan to buy, up from 38% in 2025)
When and where Americans shop
- 49% planned to start shopping in September or earlier, compared with 34% in 2016.
- Discount stores are the top destination (39%), followed by specialty Halloween or costume stores (32%) and online (27%).
- 13% plan to shop at local or small businesses, up from 7% in 2016.
- 47% use AI platforms or tools for Halloween shopping, most often to brainstorm ideas or get product recommendations.
Source: NRF 2026 Halloween survey
Average Halloween spending per person
The average person plans to spend $115.14 on Halloween in 2026. Here’s how that breaks down by category, according to NRF’s Halloween Data Center:
- Costumes: $37.32
- Decorations: $36.61
- Candy: $34.79
- Greeting cards: $6.43
With 79% of shoppers expecting tariffs to raise prices, many are already adjusting. If prices are higher than expected, 34% say they’ll buy items they can reuse or repurpose, 31% will comparison shop, and 26% will look for coupons or sales. (NRF)
How to save money on Halloween celebrations
Don’t let credit card debt creep up on you. Here are some practical Halloween spending tips to help you save money.
1. Buy candy in bulk
Halloween candy is often best purchased in bulk. You don’t need to wait until the day before Halloween for sales.
Two weeks out, many warehouse and grocery chains discount multi-packs. Watch weekly ads and digital coupons. Be realistic about how many trick-or-treaters you usually get so you don’t overspend (or overeat) on leftovers.
2. Get crafty
From indoor/outdoor décor to costumes and makeup, Halloween is tailor-made for DIY. Hit your local craft store or reuse materials you already own. For costume makeup, search tutorials that use everyday cosmetics instead of specialty kits. You’re not alone in reusing what you have. More than half of Halloween shoppers repurpose about half or more of their costume items (52%) or décor (73%) from year to year, according to NRF.
3. Swap decorations with friends and family
Inflatables and yard art can cost hundreds. Organize a decoration swap so everyone’s display feels “new” without new spending.
4. Make parties potluck and BYOB
Feeding and supplying drinks for a crowd gets pricey. Provide the mains, ask guests to bring sides or desserts, and make it BYOB for liquor. Scale recipes to your actual guest count to reduce waste.
5. Don’t buy costumes or special toys and treats for your pets
Americans are expected to spend $0.92 billion on pet costumes this year, according to NRF. Your pets don’t know it’s Halloween. If you want a festive look, DIY a simple bandana or reuse last year’s outfit instead of buying pricey seasonal toys or treats.
6. Check local calendars for free events
Free trunk-or-treats, library events, and community festivals abound. Scan city newsletters and neighborhood groups for cost-free fun and skip high-ticket haunted houses.
7. Stick to cash
Withdraw a set amount at an in-network ATM for décor, candy, and party extras. When the cash is gone, you’re done, an easy guardrail against impulse buys at craft booths and pop-up shops.
