Halloween is getting frighteningly expensive, and we’re not talking about the haunted houses. Between costumes, candy, decorations, pumpkins, and parties, Americans are preparing to spend billions celebrating a single holiday. What used to involve a homemade costume and a bag of candy can easily turn into a $150 shopping trip before October 31 even arrives.
Americans are expected to spend a staggering $13.5 billion on Halloween this year, up from the record $13.1 billion spent in 2025. The average consumer plans to spend $115.14, with costumes, candy, and decorations accounting for much of that money. Fortunately, saving money on Halloween doesn’t require skipping the fun, and a few simple changes could make a noticeable difference in your holiday budget.
1. Set a Halloween Spending Limit Before Shopping
One of the easiest ways to overspend on Halloween is to purchase decorations, candy, and costumes without deciding how much you’re comfortable spending. Around 74% of Americans plan to celebrate Halloween in 2026, but participation doesn’t mean you need to match everyone else’s spending. For example, a household with a $60 budget might allocate $25 for candy, $15 for costume supplies, $10 for decorations, and $10 for a pumpkin.
Setting those limits before entering a store makes it easier to distinguish between purchases you actually need and impulse buys that look appealing on seasonal displays. If you’re serious about saving money on Halloween, consider using cash or a separate spending category so small purchases don’t quietly add up.
2. Create Costumes Using Clothes You Already Own
Halloween costumes represent one of the holiday’s largest spending categories, with Americans expected to spend $4.4 billion on them this year. Classic characters such as witches, vampires, superheroes, and ghosts remain popular choices. Many of these costumes can be assembled using ordinary clothing, inexpensive accessories, and a little creativity rather than purchasing a complete packaged outfit.
A black dress and pointed hat can become a witch costume, while jeans, a plaid shirt, and boots can create a cowboy look without requiring an expensive shopping trip. Before spending $45 on a costume that may only be worn once, check your closet and see what you can create for a fraction of the price.
3. Organize a Costume Swap With Friends or Neighbors
If you have children or grandchildren, you probably know how quickly they outgrow Halloween costumes. Instead of buying something new every year, consider organizing a costume exchange with relatives, neighbors, or other families in your community. About 52% of consumers reuse at least half of their costume items from previous years, showing that repurposing outfits is already a popular strategy.
Imagine exchanging three costumes your grandchildren no longer wear for three different outfits in appropriate sizes, potentially eliminating the need for new purchases entirely. Costume swaps can also work for adults, especially when friends are willing to exchange accessories, wigs, hats, and themed clothing.
4. Compare Candy Prices Instead of Grabbing the Biggest Bag
Candy remains one of Halloween’s biggest expenses, with Americans expected to spend approximately $4.1 billion on sweets in 2026. According to the National Confectioners Association, 96% of consumers planning Halloween purchases expect to buy candy this year. However, the largest bag on the shelf isn’t automatically the cheapest option, particularly when package sizes and candy assortments differ.
Compare the price per ounce or per piece at grocery stores, warehouse clubs, and discount retailers, and check whether digital coupons or loyalty discounts lower the final cost. If you expect fewer trick-or-treaters, splitting a bulk purchase with a neighbor can be a practical way of saving money on Halloween without buying more candy than you need.
5. Reuse Decorations Instead of Buying New Ones
Halloween decorations are expected to generate approximately $4.3 billion in spending this year. While stores make it tempting to purchase new inflatables, skeletons, and elaborate yard displays every October, many decorations can last for years with proper storage. The NRF found that 73% of consumers reuse at least half of their Halloween decorations, making this one of the easiest areas to reduce spending.
Before shopping, unpack last year’s decorations and consider rearranging them, combining them differently, or refreshing older items with inexpensive supplies. A few well-placed pumpkins, reusable string lights, and homemade decorations can create a festive atmosphere without turning your front yard into an expensive seasonal project.
6. Skip Expensive Haunted Attractions and Find Free Activities
Halloween entertainment can become surprisingly expensive when families purchase tickets to haunted houses, hayrides, pumpkin festivals, and other seasonal attractions. A family of four paying $25 per ticket for a haunted attraction could spend $100 before buying food, drinks, or transportation. Instead, check local community calendars for free trunk-or-treat events, neighborhood celebrations, library activities, and family-friendly Halloween festivals.
Somewhere around 42% of consumers plan to watch scary movies this Halloween, making an at-home movie night another popular option. Borrowing a Halloween movie from the library, preparing homemade popcorn, and inviting friends over can create a memorable evening without the cost of admission tickets.
7. Avoid Buying Pumpkins and Decorations Too Early
Although shopping early can help spread expenses across several paychecks, purchasing certain Halloween items too far in advance can backfire. Fresh pumpkins, decorative gourds, and other perishable decorations may deteriorate before October 31, particularly when exposed to warm temperatures or moisture. The NRF’s survey found that 49% of consumers planned to begin Halloween shopping in September or earlier, reflecting the holiday’s increasingly long shopping season.
However, waiting until closer to Halloween to carve pumpkins can help them remain attractive for the celebration, while comparing local prices may uncover better deals. For decorations you intend to reuse, shopping clearance sales after Halloween can be more economical than purchasing new items at full price during the peak season.
8. Don’t Put Halloween Purchases on a Credit Card You Can’t Pay Off
Perhaps the most important money-saving strategy is avoiding debt for purchases that provide only a few hours of entertainment. A 2026 LendingTree survey found that 35% of Halloween celebrators have gone into debt for the holiday, while 24% expect to do so this year. That means costumes, candy, and decorations could end up costing even more when credit card interest is added to the original purchase price.
For example, charging $200 in Halloween expenses to a card with a 25% annual percentage rate and carrying the balance for several months can turn an already expensive celebration into a lingering financial obligation. When saving money on Halloween, prioritize activities you can comfortably afford rather than allowing one night’s festivities to create bills that follow you into the holiday shopping season.
A Memorable Halloween Doesn’t Need a Frightening Price Tag
Americans may be preparing to spend $13.5 billion on Halloween in 2026, but that doesn’t mean your household needs to contribute hundreds of dollars to the total. Reusing costumes, comparing candy prices, creating homemade decorations, and choosing free activities can preserve the traditions that make the holiday enjoyable. Even reducing your spending by $40 or $50 could leave more money available for groceries, household bills, or upcoming holiday expenses. The key is deciding which Halloween traditions matter most and avoiding purchases that add little enjoyment for the money spent. Ultimately, saving money on Halloween is about making the celebration memorable without allowing the financial consequences to linger long after the decorations come down.
How much do you typically spend on Halloween, and what’s your favorite trick for keeping costumes, candy, and decorations affordable? Share your money-saving ideas in the comments!
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