Americans now spend about $13.1 billion on Halloween each year, or roughly $114 per person who joins the spooky fun.
How Much Do Americans Spend On Halloween? Trends And Big Picture
Ask ten shoppers how much money Halloween swallows and you will hear big guesses, but recent surveys give a clear answer. The National Retail Federation consumer survey reports that planned Halloween spending in the United States reached about $11.6 billion in 2024 and jumped to a record $13.1 billion for 2025, a sharp rise even after years of steady growth.
On a personal level that works out to record planned spending of about $114 per person taking part in 2025. Two years earlier in 2023 the figure sat near $108 per celebrant, and in 2019 it was closer to the mid eighties. The long arc shows one thing clearly: interest in Halloween has not faded, even when prices climb. That total shapes many retail plans.
| Year | Estimated Total Spending (USD) | Average Spend Per Celebrant (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $8.8 billion | $86 |
| 2020 | $8.05 billion | — |
| 2021 | $10.14 billion | $102.74 |
| 2022 | $10.6 billion | $100 |
| 2023 | $12.2 billion | $108.24 |
| 2024 | $11.6 billion | $103.63 |
| 2025 | $13.1 billion | $114.45 |
Participation rates tell the same story. Around seven in ten American adults say they join Halloween in some way, and that share has climbed back to or above pre pandemic levels. People may trim other holidays, yet they still carve pumpkins, host small parties, and fill candy bowls for neighborhood kids.
A short Halloween by the numbers infographic from Florida International University also shows 2022 spending near $10.6 billion with an average planned spend of about $100 per person. That fits neatly with the steady rise shown in recent National Retail Federation surveys.
How Much Americans Spend On Halloween Each Year By Category
Those headline totals hide a lot of detail. Retail surveys show that shoppers split their Halloween budget mainly between costumes, decorations, candy, and a smaller slice for greeting cards and themed extras such as seasonal baking or yard inflatables. In 2025, costumes alone are expected to reach around $4.3 billion in spending, decorations about $4.2 billion, candy $3.9 billion, and greeting cards close to $700 million.
At the personal level, that $114 breaks into near equal chunks for costumes, decorations, and candy, with a small share left for cards and extras. When you look at your own bank statement after October, those same lines probably stand out.
What Americans Spend Money On For Halloween
When people search for “how much do americans spend on halloween?” they are often trying to figure out where all that cash actually goes. Breaking it down by type of purchase makes the numbers feel real and gives you a benchmark for your own plans.
Candy And Treats
Candy shows up in nearly every celebration. Recent surveys suggest shoppers now spend around $3.9 billion on Halloween candy, driven by bulk bags for trick or treaters and party bowls.
From trunk or treat lines to office counters, candy reaches kids and adults who might skip costumes, which helps explain why it draws the widest share of buyers.
Costumes For Kids Adults And Pets
Costumes form the most memorable part of Halloween for many families. National Retail Federation data shows that total costume spending passed $4 billion in 2023 and is expected to hit about $4.3 billion in 2025, with kids, adults, and pet outfits all in the mix.
Households with children tend to spend far more than households without kids, since each child may want something new for school events, trick or treating, and themed parties. Pet costumes have grown into a visible slice of the market, with close to a billion dollars now devoted to pumpkin sweaters, hot dog suits, and other novelty outfits for dogs and cats.
Decorations And Yard Displays
Spending on decorations has grown quickly, with surveys putting the category around $3.9 billion in 2023 and a little above $4.2 billion in 2025, close to costume spending. Yards now glow with lights, jack o’ lantern stacks, and giant inflatable figures from late September through October.
Big ticket props such as inflatables, lighting, and animated figures cost far more than simple garlands, so a few splurges can move a household well past a modest decor budget. Many shoppers treat these pieces as repeat items they bring out year after year, which helps spread the cost over time.
Parties Events And Haunted Attractions
A growing share of Halloween money now goes toward experiences instead of things, including bar crawls, haunted house tickets, escape rooms, and pumpkin patch outings. Parents also spend on school carnivals and local festivals that charge for entry or activities.
These events often cost as much as several bags of candy, so it makes sense to count them when you work out a realistic Halloween budget.
Who Spends The Most On Halloween In The United States
Not every household treats Halloween the same way. Surveys of American adults show that people with kids at home, younger adults, and dedicated fans of the holiday tend to spend the most. One national poll from a financial firm found that the average adult expected to spend close to $300 on Halloween across candy, costumes, decor, and entertainment, with millennials and Gen Z adults planning well above that level.
Data from the National Retail Federation shows a similar pattern. In 2021, households with children were projected to spend nearly twice as much on Halloween items as those without children. More recent breakdowns suggest that adults between twenty five and thirty four now post the highest planned per person spending, often topping $120 each once costumes, outings, and decor are added together.
| Category | Average Spend Per Person (USD) | Share Of Total Personal Budget |
|---|---|---|
| Costumes | $37.62 | About one third |
| Decorations | $36.85 | About one third |
| Candy | $34.24 | Just under one third |
| Greeting Cards | $5.74 | Small slice |
| Pet Costumes | $7–$10 | Small slice |
| Events And Nights Out | $15–$30 | Flexible |
If your own spending feels higher than these averages, you are not alone. Polling shows many adults admit they overshoot their Halloween budget, especially younger shoppers who buy multiple outfits or visit several events across the season. At the same time plenty of households come in well below the norm by reusing decor, swapping costumes with friends, or shopping secondhand.
How Much Do Americans Spend On Halloween? Everyday Budget View
Search interest for “how much do americans spend on halloween?” spikes every September as shoppers try to line up their plans with the national norm. Knowing that the typical celebrant now sets aside a little over one hundred dollars helps you choose whether to match that figure, stay under it, or treat Halloween as a major splurge.
Households with several kids, a love for costumes, and a busy social calendar can easily double or triple the national per person number. On the other hand, a small household that focuses on one bag of candy, a carved pumpkin, and a simple costume can enjoy the season on a much leaner budget.
How To Keep Halloween Fun Without Overspending
With candy prices climbing and more temptations than ever on store shelves, it helps to plan Halloween spending on purpose instead of treating it as a last minute rush. You can still enjoy costumes, treats, and parties while staying in control of the total number.
One practical step is to decide on a total Halloween budget for your household, then sketch a quick split across the main categories. You might aim for half of that money on costumes and decor combined, one quarter on candy, and the rest on events, pumpkins, and extras like themed baking supplies.
Start With A Clear Budget Number
Begin by writing down how much you feel comfortable spending on the entire season, not just the night itself. Include candy for work and school, activities earlier in October, and last minute add ons.
Some families find it helpful to compare their number with national averages. When you see that typical per person spend sits a little above one hundred dollars, you can decide whether your own number needs a trim or has room to grow.
Give Kids Simple Money Limits
Children often want new costumes, themed clothing, candy, and decor all at once. Instead of saying no over and over, set a clear dollar limit for each child that pays for their main costume and one or two extras.
Within that fixed budget kids can choose between a single elaborate costume or a mix of cheaper items. Many parents report that once kids see the prices side by side they start making more careful choices, such as reusing parts of older costumes or adding low cost accessories instead of a full new outfit.
Cut Costume Costs Without Cutting Creativity
Costumes often create the biggest Halloween splurge, but you can shrink this line without losing any fun. Thrift stores, local swap groups, and online resale platforms are packed with barely worn costumes that cost a fraction of new retail prices.
You can also build outfits from regular clothing plus a few small props, especially for adults. Black pants and a plain shirt paired with face paint, a hat, or one standout accessory can create a clear character without a full store bought costume.
Save On Candy While Staying Generous
Candy costs jumped sharply in recent years, so a bowl that once cost fifteen dollars may now run much higher. Buying store brands, picking smaller assortments, and grabbing sales earlier in October all help soften that hit.
If lots of kids walk your street, you might hand out smaller portions per child or pair candy with non food treats like stickers or pencils. Parents of kids with food allergies often appreciate a mix that includes safe non edible options.
Simple Habits That Make Next Halloween Easier
Once October wraps, a few small moves can lower next year’s Halloween bill before it even starts. Storing costumes and decor neatly helps you see what you already own before buying more. You can also track which items you actually used, and donate or sell the rest.
Many retailers discount candy, decor, and costumes heavily on November first and second, so picking up classic items then can stock a low cost Halloween box for next year.