Consumers face scarier Halloween costs this year. Here’s why.

October 26, 2026 / 10:52 AM EDT / CBS News

Americans are on track to spend a record $13.5 billion on Halloween this year amid rising costs associated with the national scarefest, according to the National Retail Federation.

Consumers are forecast to shell out $4.1 billion on candy alone. Cocoa costs remain elevated despite surging over the last two years, with shipping and other expenses also pushing up treat costs.

Despite higher prices, the NRF expects consumers to spend $400 million more on Halloween this year than in 2025, and $1.9 billion more than in 2024. A poll from consulting firm PwC found that the average person expects to spend about $263; parents often spend the most because they're shopping for multiple Halloween events.

Two-thirds of Americans think Halloween has gotten too expensive, according to a recent survey from personal finance site WalletHub.

The general manager of Chicago Costume, Cortland Hickey, told CBS News higher transportation and fulfillment costs are driving up Halloween-related prices this year.

"The tariff costs are pretty much baked into the products as opposed to being a surprise like they were last year," Hickey said. "But now it's the fuel surcharges and the cost of diesel…

Original source: https://www.cbsnews.com/moneywatch/