Halloween 2026: Americans expected to spend more on costumes than candy
The National Retail Federation forecasts $13.5 billion in US Halloween spending, $4.4 billion of it on costumes.
Updated
US consumers are expected to spend $13.5 billion on Halloween this year, up from a record $13.1 billion in 2025, according to the National Retail Federation’s annual survey of 7,889 consumers, conducted Sept. 1–9 by Prosper Insights & Analytics. NRF puts average spending at $115.14 per person, and 74% of consumers say they plan to celebrate.
Costumes lead at $4.4 billion ($2 billion for adults, $1.5 billion for children and $920 million for pets), followed by decorations at $4.3 billion and candy at $4.1 billion. Candy is still the most popular purchase, NRF says. Among children’s costumes, Spider-Man tops the list, with 4.6 million kids planning to dress as him.
Candy is getting pricier, though: the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ price index for candy and chewing gum was 7.7% higher in September 2026 than a year earlier. Costumes and decorations together make up nearly two-thirds of the total, a sign that Halloween is now as much about the look as the loot.
Sources
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Halloween 2026: Americans expected to spend more on costumes than candy
The National Retail Federation forecasts $13.5 billion in US Halloween spending, $4.4 billion of it on costumes.
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