Halloween Spending Expected to Decline as Americans Cut Back Due to Economic Uncertainty
News related to:LendingTree, Inc · 2 min read
CHARLOTTE, N.C., Oct. 14, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- Halloween spending is expected to drop significantly this year, according to a survey by LendingTree. The survey, which polled 2,000 U.S. consumers, found that only 80% of Americans plan to make a Halloween-related purchase, a decrease from the 90% who did so last year. The average spending per celebrator is expected to fall to $162, a 16% decline from the $192 spent in 2025.
Economic uncertainty is a key factor driving this shift. Sixty-one percent of Halloween celebrators are skipping some purchases, with the most common items being candy, decorations, and costumes. Despite these cutbacks, 24% of celebrators expect to take on debt for the holiday, with Gen Zers and parents of children younger than 18 being the most likely to borrow.
The pullback is not universal, however. Nearly 40% of celebrators expect to spend more than they did last year, with this figure rising to 58% among parents with children younger than 18. Meanwhile, 85% of celebrators say they are taking at least one step to save money this Halloween, including buying fewer items overall and setting a spending budget.
Breaking down the expected spending, candy is the top item, with 48% of celebrators planning to purchase it. Costumes for themselves follow closely at 21%, while outdoor decorations and children's costumes each account for 21% and 20% of expected purchases, respectively. Higher-income earners are expected to spend the most, with $311 per person, while parents of children younger than 18 are expected to spend $269, and millennials are expected to spend $225. Americans handing out candy are expected to spend $73 on treats alone.
When it comes to specific items, economic uncertainty is leading to significant changes in spending habits. Sixty-one percent of celebrators are skipping purchases, with the most common items being candy (35%), decorations (31%), and costumes (29%). Despite the overall decline in spending, 24% of celebrators expect to take on debt for the holiday, with Gen Zers and parents of children younger than 18 being the most likely to borrow. Overall, 35% of those who have gone into Halloween debt before regret overspending.