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Halloween candy is getting more expensive this year, but Americans aren’t letting rising prices stop them from stocking up on the treats.
Prices for candy and gum rose 8.1% in August from a year earlier, according to the latest available data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is more than double the 3.4% increase in overall consumer prices over the same period.
Despite the higher costs, Americans are expected to spend $4.1 billion on Halloween candy this year, according to a survey released by the National Retail Federation (NRF).
The survey found that 96% of Halloween shoppers plan to purchase candy, making it the most popular shopping category of the holiday.
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Assorted bags of Halloween candy and chocolate are displayed with promotional price tags, Lafayette, California, September 14, 2026. (Collection Smith/Gado/Getty Images / Getty Images)
Total spending on Halloween is expected to reach $13.5 billion this year, up from $13.1 billion in 2025, as consumers continue to prioritize the holiday despite pressure on household budgets.
“Consumers continue to make Halloween a spending priority, but they also approach the season with affordability in mind,” Allison Zeller, NRF vice president of industry and consumer affairs, said in a statement.
Shoppers are expected to spend an average of $115.14 per person on Halloween shopping, little change from last year’s $114.45.
Leftover Halloween candy is held at Saint Andrews Ukrainian Orthodox Church on Thursday, November 6, 2025. (Sarah L. Voisin/The Washington Post via Getty Images / Getty Images)
Even if spending remains stable, many consumers are adjusting their purchasing habits to manage higher costs.
The NRF survey found that more than a third of consumers consider shopping around if Halloween products cost more than expected, while just over a quarter consider looking for coupons or sales.
Some buyers also start spreading their expenses earlier. Nearly half of consumers said they plan to start their Halloween shopping in September or before, and 23% of first-time shoppers said they purchased items in advance to spread their budget.
Bags of Sour Punch Twists, Sour Patch Kids Monster Parts and Big Chewy Nerds candy on display for Halloween in Lafayette, California, United States, September 14, 2026. (Collection Smith/Gado/Getty Images / Getty Images)
Discount stores remain the most popular shopping destination for Halloween purchases, attracting 39% of shoppers, followed by Halloween specialty stores at 32% and online retailers at 27%.
The NRF survey, conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics September 1-9, polled 7,889 consumers.
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The findings highlight that Americans continue to make room for Halloween celebrations despite rising prices, while turning to discounts, price comparisons and advance purchases to control their spending.
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