Americans Will Spend $13.5 Billion on Halloween in 2026 — Here’s Where the Money Goes
Halloween is getting more expensive but that isn’t stopping Americans from celebrating. According to the National Retail Federation (NRF) survey, Halloween spending is expected to hit $13.5 billion in 2026, up from $13.1 billion in 2025.
The average consumer will spend $115.14 for the holiday. Despite the fact 79% of consumers expect tariffs to add pressure to household budgets with increased prices for Halloween, 74% of Americans say they intend to celebrate Halloween this year.
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Below is a breakdown of the projected $13.5 billion and what shoppers can do to keep their own spending in check.
Costumes: $4.4 Billion
Costumes is the largest category, with roughly 71% of shoppers planning to purchase one. Adult costumes account for $2 billion, children’s costumes $1.5 billion and pet costumes $920 million. Spider-Man remains the top choice for kids, with 4.6 million children planning to dress as the character.
Costume prices could be more costly than last year due to tariffs. Repurposing clothing or creating a costume at home can help join in the fun without paying full retail prices.
Decorations: $4.3 Billion
78% of consumers plan to decorate their homes for the spooky holiday, with spending projected to reach $4.3 billion. From indoor ornaments to outdoor displays, decorations can quickly increase the cost of celebrating. That’s why many households are planning to reuse what they already own.
According to the NRF, 73% of consumers reuse about half of their decor each year. So, if you’re planning to shop some spooky decor, go for versatile options you can reuse for years to get more value from your purchases.
Candy: $4.1 Billion
Halloween isn’t complete without spooky candies and treats. About 96% of Americans plan to buy candy this year with total spending expected to reach $4.1 billion. If you’ll be handing out treats to trick-or-treaters, costs can quickly go up, especially when you buy popular name-brand candies. Compare prices across multiple retailers and be on the look out for sales to stretch your budget further.
Greeting Cards: $800 Million
According to the survey, 42% of consumers, up from 38% in 2025, are expected to spend $800 million on cards in 2026. Cards can be a thoughtful way to celebrate Halloween, but are an optional expense. A cheaper alternative for families watching their spending can be digital greetings, handwritten notes or homemade cards.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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