The Ultimate Guide to Halloween on a Budget: 30+ Tips, Tricks and Ideas 

This year’s Halloween is shaping up to be the priciest yet. The National Retail Federation reports that Americans plan to spend a record $13.1 billion — about $114 per household — on the holiday. And with inflation keeping candy and costume prices creeping up like zombies at midnight, it’s easy to feel haunted by your spending. But here’s the trick: you can still have a killer Halloween without draining your checking account.

Here, we’re breaking down the best ways to celebrate Halloween on a budget in 2025, from DIY costumes to cheap Halloween decor to party ideas that are more treat than trick.

Table of contents

• Set your Halloween budget early

• Create easy DIY Halloween costumes

• Create DIY decorations on a budget

• Budget-friendly Halloween party tips

• How to save on Halloween candy shopping

Set your Halloween budget early

Before you start loading your cart with candy corn and fake cobwebs, decide how much you actually want to spend. Here’s how to budget for Halloween expenses:

• Set your limit: Whether it’s $50 or $150, commit to it.

• Withdraw in cash: It’s harder to overspend when you can literally see your limits.

• Track your categories: Costumes, candy, and decor are the big three.

• Shop early (or late): Early birds grab coupons; procrastinators score clearance deals.

💡 Want to get your budget in shape year-round? Check out our quick 6-step guide on how to make a budget that actually works.  

Create easy DIY Halloween costumes

Forget the $70 Spirit Halloween costume. The best simple costume Halloween ideas usually come from your own closet. Here are 15 easy DIY Halloween costumes you can make fast and cheap:

1. Tourist: Hawaiian shirt, camera, socks with sandals.

2. Mummy: Wrap yourself in toilet paper or gauze (bonus: you already own it).

3. Ghost: Classic sheet, cut-out eyes: timeless and zero dollars.

4. Error 404: White tee with “Costume Not Found” written in Sharpie.

5. ’80s Workout Star: Neon everything. You get cardio and a costume.

6. Cowboy (or Cowgirl): Jeans, boots, plaid shirt. Yee-haw, you’re done.

7. Bank Robber: Black clothes, striped shirt, dollar-sign bag.

8. Vampire: Dark outfit, red lipstick, fake fangs (or candy corn if you’re desperate).

9. Emoji Face: Yellow shirt + cardboard emoji cutout = recognizable and easy.

10. Chef: Apron, hat (or towel), and a fake mustache.

11. Painter: Jeans and a tee splattered with washable paint.

12. Social Butterfly: Tape printed logos of social media apps to your outfit and add wings.

13. Cat: Ears, eyeliner whiskers, done.

14. DIY Superhero: Towel cape, cardboard logo, and confidence.

15. “Freelancer Ghosted by Clients”: Pajamas, coffee mug, thousand-yard stare.

Want more creative ideas? Check out some of the best side hustle jobs out there right now … your DIY skills might even pay off.

Create DIY decorations on a budget

Haunting your home doesn’t need to be expensive. Try these cheap DIY Halloween decorations to transform your space:

16. Spider Web Lights: Wrap dollar-store webbing around colored LED bulbs for eerie lighting.
17. Silhouette Windows: Cut black poster-board figures (bats, witches, cats) and tape to backlit windows.
18. Pumpkin Parade: Buy small pumpkins later in the season when prices drop.
19. Ghost Balloons: White balloons + marker faces = instant haunted hallway.
20. Mason Jar Lanterns: Paint jars orange and drop in battery candles.
21. Creepy Mirror Trick: Smudge fake “bloody” handprints with washable paint.
22. Dollar Store Graveyard: Styrofoam tombstones + marker epitaphs = lawn win.

Need more budget-friendly design tips? Check out some tips on how to curb seasonal spending. 

Budget-friendly Halloween party tips

Throwing a Halloween bash without scaring your wallet? Totally doable. Try these:

23. Skip the caterer: Potlucks are cheaper and everyone loves showing off.
24. Play classic games: “Guess the candy,” “Murder mystery,” or a trivia night.
25. Use playlists, not DJs: Free streaming apps have spooky mixes.
26. Movie marathon: Scary classics + microwave popcorn = budget bliss.
27. DIY snacks: Think mummy hot dogs, caramel apples, or popcorn balls.
28. Go digital: Free invites via text or social apps save time (and trees).

How to save on Halloween candy shopping

Candy’s sweet ‘til you see the receipt. Here’s how to stock up smart:

29. Buy in bulk: Warehouse stores or online bundles cost less per ounce.
30. Shop late: The week before Halloween often brings markdowns.
31. Mix it up: Combine big-name candy with cheaper generic treats.
32. Use cashback apps: Earn a few bucks back for being a smart shopper.
33. Skip full-size: Fun-size = savings (and fewer leftovers to tempt you).

🎃 Pro tip: Use a cash-back credit card to earn money back while you shop for Halloween supplies.

Make Your Halloween Count (Without the Scary Bill)

You don’t need a graveyard-sized budget to make this year’s Halloween unforgettable. A little creativity, planning, and DIY spirit can turn your celebration into something truly spooktacular and financially smart. Because the only thing scarier than ghosts is going into November broke.

MoneyLion Has Your Back

We’re here to help make sure your Halloween is fun, not financially frightening. Looking for even more money-saving hacks and budgeting tips? Download the MoneyLion app today and keep your finances in check year-round.

FAQs

How can I make my house spooky on a budget?

Use inexpensive Halloween decorations like black paper silhouettes, string lights, and thrifted props; they look great in low light.

How to host a Halloween party on a budget?

Keep it casual: DIY snacks, free games, and digital invites. Skip pricey decor for clever mood lighting and playlists.

What is the average budget for Halloween?

According to the National Retail Federation, the average U.S. household plans to spend about $108 on Halloween in 2025.