Parents Expected to Spend a Record $350+ on Halloween This Year

The costumes and haunted houses might be scary, but the real fright this Halloween comes from ballooning costs.

A new study from the National Retail Federation reveals a record-breaking year for Halloween spending. Total US spending is projected to reach $13.1 billion. Up from $11.6 billion last year and surpassing the previous record of $12.2 billion in 2023.

Here’s how the $13 billion breaks down:

• $3.9 billion on candy. The most popular category, candy costs, especially the cost of chocolates, are up 78% since 2020.
• $4.3 billion on costumes. A little over 70% of Americans plan to purchase costumes, and for parents supplying outfits for the whole family this cost increases exponentially.
• $4.2 billion on decorations. Another 78% plan to purchase decorations, up from 75% last year.
• $700 million on greeting cards. Those class cards and the written word also sneak in the top four expenditures with an estimated 38% (up from 2024’s 33%) planning to purchase greeting cards.

Per-person spending has reached a record high of $114.45, nearly $11 more than last year and up from the previous record of $108.24 in 2023. Considering the average family size is 3 people, candy, costumes, decor and festivities are expected to cost the average family over $350.

For children alone $1.4 billion will be spent on costumes this year. Despite increasing costs, it would seem the old favorite Halloween costumes remain popular. This Halloween, 2.3 million children plan on dressing up as Spider-Man, 1.9 million as a princess, 1.7 million as a witch, 1.6 million as a ghost and 1.5 million as their favorite superhero. Notably, the KPOP Demon Hunters and Wednesday Addams also made it into this year’s Top 10 Kids’ Halloween costumes.

Experts point to rising tariffs, inflation and even a shortage of cocoa as the reason behind rising costs. While there may not be much parents can do about rising costs, the National Retail Federation says savings can be found by shopping early or perusing discount stores.

Still prepping for Halloween? Check out The Bump’s guides to the best baby costumes and budget-friendly Halloween crafts for toddlers and preschoolers.