Halloween may be a spooky holiday, but the amount of money that Americans are expected to spend on it this year is even more frightening. According to the National Retail Federation, consumers in the United States spent a record $10.14 billion on Halloween in 2021, and celebrations for Halloween in 2022 are expected to set new spending records. The COVID-19 pandemic put a damper on Halloween celebrations in 2020, but it looks like people are more than ready to make up for a lost time.
There is a way to make the most out of the spooky season, and holidays in general, without completely breaking the bank. However, if you find yourself struggling with debt, debt consolidation may be something you want to look into. Crixeo has reviewed the best debt consolidation companies so you can find a program that can help you.
Key Takeaways
- Halloween is one of the biggest holidays in the United States, and celebrations this year were just shy of pre-pandemic levels. Retail spending during the holiday season continues to be high, making it a key event for businesses.
- In 2021, Halloween spending in the United States reached a record high of around $10.14 billion. This figure is expected to rise to $10.6 billion in 2022.
- Halloween is a time for fun, scares, and, of course, spending money on costumes, candy, decorations, and greeting cards. According to estimates, each person will spend an average of $100.
The Costs of Halloween

Halloween is a time for fun and celebration! According to NRF data, 69% of Americans said they planned to take part in Halloween celebrations this year, up from 65% last year. U.S. consumers are estimated to spend a whopping $10.6 billion on Halloween this year – an increase from the record-high $10.
For Halloween in 2022, many people are planning to spend an average of $100.45 per person. 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, and this year is no different. Despite Covid-19 disruptions in 2020 and 2021, people are getting back to their Halloween traditions.
Fast fact: As Halloween approaches, many people are wondering how they will celebrate the holiday. For some, the answer is clear: 67% say they’ll hand out candy, while 51% say they’ll decorate their homes or yards.
Dressing up in costumes has become a popular activity among children on Halloween. Superheroes are always a popular choice, with Spider-Man being the most popular of all. While trick-or-treating, you can also spot many princesses, as they remain one of the most popular costume types (second only to Spider-Man). Other popular choices include Batman, witches, and other favorite superheroes. Child-sized costumes typically cost between $25 and $40, not including additional props, makeup, and a candy bag.
This year, plenty of adults are getting into the Halloween spirit by donning costumes. The most popular costumes among adults this year are witches, vampires, ghosts, cats, and pirates. Costumes typically range in price from $30 to $60, but some can cost hundreds of dollars for those who want to go all out.
Pets are a big part of many people’s lives, and what better way to show your love for your furry friend than by dressing them up in a costume? This year, the five most popular pet costumes are pumpkin, hot dog, bat, witch, and bumblebee.
Tips for Saving Money This Halloween

Halloween can be a fun and festive holiday, but it can also be a costly one. Here are some tips to help you enjoy all the holiday has to offer without breaking the bank.
Halloween is a great time to save money, Here are a few tips:
- Hand-making costumes versus buying them.
- Purchasing candy for trick-or-treaters in bulk at warehouse clubs.
- 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.
Halloween is a great time to get together with friends and family. Why not save money by hosting a Halloween party at your home? You can encourage everyone to bring snacks or drinks to share, and you may be able to save on decorations or party supplies by purchasing 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 get a head start on saving for next year by taking advantage of post-Halloween sales. Stores usually mark down costumes, decorations, candy, and other Halloween supplies on November 1st, so this is the perfect time to stock up on next year’s supplies. Just keep in mind that candy might not be as fresh after sitting around for a year.
Tip: What to do with all that leftover Halloween candy? Get creative in the kitchen and bake up some tasty treats, or donate it to a worthy cause like Soldiers’ Angels.
How Much Money Is Spent on Halloween Every Year?
This Halloween, Americans are expected to spend a whopping $10.6 billion on costumes, candy, decorations, and greeting cards. That’s an average of $100.45 per person! This spending is up from last year’s record of $10.14 billion, according to estimates from NRF (National Retail Federation).
How Much Do Americans Spend on Candy?
Candy is an important part of Halloween celebrations. For Halloween in 2022, Americans are estimated to spend $3.1 billion on Halloween-related sweets. This includes popular treats like chocolate bars, lollipops, and gummies.
Which Halloween Costumes Are the Most Popular?
Superheroes, princesses, ghosts, and vampires are the most popular costumes for children and adults alike. Witches, cats, and pirates are also popular choices for those who want to dress up for Halloween.
The Bottom Line

This Halloween, Americans are planning to spend more than ever to make it a memorable one. According to NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay, people are determined to celebrate the holiday despite the challenges of the past year. “Halloween celebrations were close to pre-pandemic levels, and the amount spent on Halloween in 2022 will likely be one for the record books,” Shay said.
Halloween is a fun time of year for kids and adults alike. But it can also be a time when your budget gets out of control. By planning your Halloween purchases early, you can avoid some scary spending scenarios and still have a great time. Plus, you can take advantage of post-Halloween sales to stock up for next year.