Anticipation is high for the spookiest night of the year. About 7 in 10 Americans (72%) plan to take part in the festivities this October. Even with some belt-tightening, consumers are still spending billions on candy, costumes, decorations, and pumpkins. For 2024, total Halloween spending is expected to reach $11.6 billion.
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 spending season just around the corner.
U.S. Halloween spending statistics
Total U.S. Halloween spending in 2024 is projected at $11.6 billion, slightly below 2023’s record $12.2 billion, but still far above pre-2020 levels. The average planned spend per person is $103.63.
What are Americans buying for Halloween?
Rather than “% buying” each item, the NRF now tracks what people plan to do for Halloween. Here’s how celebrants say they’ll take part in 2024:
- 67% will hand out candy
- 52% will decorate their home or yard
- 49% will dress up in costume (kids, adults, and pets)
- 43% will carve pumpkins
- 29% will throw or attend a party
Where the dollars go overall (2024 projected category totals):
- Costumes: about $3.8 billion
- Decorations: about $3.8 billion
- Candy: about $3.5 billion
- Greeting cards: about $0.5 billion
Average household Halloween spending
The expected average spend per person is $103.63 in 2024 (down from 2023’s record $108.24). Consumers are still investing in the fun just a touch more carefully.
- Candy: $31.93
- Decorations: $34.76
- Costumes: $36.84
- Greeting cards: $4.71
Americans may find there’s more “trick” than “treat” in their candy hauls this year, as shrinkflation and ingredient costs continue to pressure package sizes and prices. Overall Halloween costs have trended up in recent years and are unlikely to roll back meaningfully, so planning matters.
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.
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
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.
