Is The Amount Terrifying?
Halloween is a time for fun, fright, and spending. Americans will spend a record $10.14 billion on Halloween in 2021, according to the National Retail Federation (NRF). This is despite the COVID-19 pandemic putting a damper on celebrations in 2020. For 2022, Halloween spending is expected to set new records.

Costs Of Halloween
As Halloween approaches, Americans are preparing to celebrate the holiday with friends and family. According to a recent survey, 69% of people said they planned to take part in Halloween celebrations this year, up from 65% last year.
U.S. consumers are expected to spend a record-breaking $10.6 billion on Halloween this year, an increase from the $10.14 billion spent last year and the $8.05 billion spent the year before.
The estimated $10.6 billion in total spending is expected to be divided among the following categories:
- $3.6 billion for costumes
- $3.1 billion for candy
- $3.4 billion for decorations
- $0.6 billion for greeting cards
Halloween is a time for fun and spending time with loved ones. This year, people are getting back to their normal Halloween activities after two years of COVID-19 pandemic disruptions.

Price of Costumes
Dressing up for Halloween is a popular tradition that people of all ages enjoy. According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), American consumers are expected to spend a total of $3.6 billion on Halloween-related items in 2022. The majority of this spending will go towards purchasing Halloween costumes – with children’s outfits accounting for $1.2 billion, and adult’s costing $1.7 billion.
For children, dressing up as their favorite character has become a Halloween staple. Superheroes remain popular, with Spider-Man at the top. While trick-or-treating, you can easily spot tiaras, gowns, and glass slippers, as princesses remain one of the most popular types of costume (right behind Spider-Man), with Batman, other favorite superheroes, and witches rounding out the top five. Costs for child-sized costumes typically range from $25 to $40, not including additional props, makeup, and a bag for storing candy.
As mentioned, plenty of adults are suiting up as well. The top five costumes among adults this year are pretty evergreen: witch, vampire, ghost, cat, and pirate. Costumes are generally in the $30 to $60 range, but they can soar into the hundreds for the most committed celebrants.
Children are dressing up as their favorite superheroes and princesses, and parents are sticking to traditional favorites, but what about household pets? The five most popular costumes for pets this year: are pumpkin, hot dog, bat, witch, and bumblebee.
Saving Money Tips For Halloween
Halloween is a time for fun and festivities, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. There are a few simple ways to enjoy all the holiday has to offer without overspending.
There are many ways to save money on Halloween, including:
- Hand-making costumes versus buying them.
- Purchasing candy for trick-or-treaters in bulk.
- Making decorations from low-cost supplies or items you have around the house.
- Shopping thrift stores or surplus stores to find inexpensive costumes and decor materials.
- Taking advantage of free Halloween events in your community.
Are you hosting a Halloween party this year? Instead of spending a lot of money on snacks and drinks, why not ask your guests to bring their own to share? You can also save on decorations and party supplies by buying them at the dollar store or from a discount party-supply store online.
Halloween may be over, but that doesn’t mean the fun has to end! You can start saving for next year by taking advantage of post-Halloween sales. Stores typically mark down Halloween items like costumes, decorations, candy, and more on November 1st. So stock up on supplies for next year and enjoy some great savings. Just be sure to check the expiration date on any candy you buy – it might not last until next Halloween!
What’s The Yearly Spending On Halloween?
A record-breaking $10.6 billion will be spent on Halloween in America in 2022, according to estimates from The National Retail Federation (NRF). This is up from $10.14 billion last year and averages out to $100.45 per person when it comes to costumes, candy, decorations, and greeting cards.
How Much Do Americans Spend on Halloween Candy?
Candy is one of the most important aspects of Halloween. In 2022, Americans are estimated to spend a whopping $3.1 billion on Halloween goodies! That’s a lot of Snickers bars and bags of fun-sized Milky Ways.
Most Popular Halloween Costumes?

Children love to dress up as their favorite superheroes and princesses. Adults, on the other hand, tend to prefer more ghoulish costumes such as witches, vampires, ghosts, cats, and pirates.
The Bottom Line
As we approach Halloween, many of us are starting to think about what costumes to wear and what decorations to buy. However, with the pandemic still ongoing, it’s important to be mindful of our spending.
While Halloween celebrations may not be at the same level as in pre-pandemic years, there is still expected to be a lot of spending on the holiday. Planning your purchases ahead of time can help you avoid overspending.