Halloween Costumes Are Getting Scary Expensive in 2026

Halloween has always been the holiday where people willingly spend money to look ridiculous in public. A noble tradition, honestly.

But in 2026, the real jump scare is not the haunted house, the 12-foot skeleton or the guy who still thinks dressing as “sexy tax auditor” is funny. It is the price tag on Halloween costumes.

According to data from the Halloween and Costume Association, the average price of a Halloween costume has increased by $60 in 2026. That is not exactly pocket change for something many people will wear once, spill cider on and shove into a closet until it becomes “craft supplies.”

The 2026 spike is part of a longer climb. Costume costs also rose by $40 in 2025 and $20 in 2024, meaning shoppers have been getting hit year after year. Halloween may be all about pretending, but these prices are very much real.

Why Halloween costumes cost more in 2026

There are a few big reasons costumes are more expensive, and sadly, none of them involve vampires personally demanding higher wages.

One of the biggest factors is overseas manufacturing. The Halloween and Costume Association says nearly 90% of Halloween items, including costumes, have at least one component manufactured overseas, mostly in China.

That matters because tariffs and shifting trade policies have made importing those goods more expensive. When manufacturers and retailers pay more to bring in masks, wigs, capes, inflatable dinosaur suits and tiny superhero outfits, they usually do not just shrug and eat the cost out of the goodness of their corporate hearts. Those increases get passed along to shoppers.

Tariffs have been especially difficult for an industry that relies so heavily on seasonal inventory. Halloween retailers have a narrow window to make their money. If costs go up during manufacturing, shipping or importing, they have limited time to adjust before costumes hit the shelves.

And yes, that means you could end up paying more for a polyester pirate shirt that somehow still manages to be both too hot and see-through.

Fewer costumes, less variety

Another issue this year is supply.

Because supply chains have been shifting, some retailers are carrying less inventory and fewer options than in previous years. That means shoppers may notice smaller costume sections, fewer sizes and less variety, especially closer to Halloween.

If you are looking for a specific costume, waiting until Oct. 30 may not be the power move it used to be. Unless your backup plan is “guy in black hoodie,” in which case, congratulations, you are already done.

Limited stock can also drive up demand for the most popular costumes. When fewer retailers have the same items, shoppers have less ability to compare prices. That can make already-expensive costumes feel even worse.

The Halloween budget crunch

Despite rising costs, Americans are still spending big on Halloween.

Overall holiday spending is expected to hit a record $13.5 billion nationally, according to industry data. That includes costumes, candy, decorations, parties, greeting cards and probably at least one fog machine that will work for exactly 18 minutes.

But individual costume budgets are not unlimited. National Retail Federation data shows the average household costume budget is roughly $37 to $58, depending on the household.

That creates a pretty obvious problem: If a standard pre-made costume is now clearing the $60 mark, many shoppers are already over budget before adding makeup, accessories, shoes, props or costumes for kids and pets.

And if you have multiple children, may the spirits be with you.

Shoppers are getting creative

Retail experts say more than a third of shoppers are planning to manage Halloween costs by looking for coupons, shopping discounts or reusing and repurposing clothing they already own.

Honestly, this is where Halloween gets interesting again.

Instead of buying a full costume, shoppers are turning to thrift stores, closet staples and DIY accessories. A black dress becomes a witch costume. A flannel shirt becomes a scarecrow. A blazer and dead-eyed stare becomes “burned-out office employee,” which is less a costume and more a cry for help, but still technically works.

Parents are also swapping costumes with other families or buying secondhand from neighborhood groups and online marketplaces. Kids usually wear costumes once, maybe twice if you count the school parade, so there are plenty of barely used options floating around.

How to save money on Halloween costumes in 2026

If you are trying to avoid spending your entire fall budget on fake blood and foam armor, here are a few ways to cut costs:

• Shop early. Waiting until the last minute usually means fewer choices and higher prices.
• Use coupons and promo codes. Many major Halloween retailers offer discounts throughout the season.
• Check thrift stores. You can build a better costume for less, and it will not look like the exact same bagged costume everyone else bought.
• Reuse old costumes. Add new makeup, accessories or a different wig to change the look.
• Swap with friends or neighbors. Especially helpful for kids’ costumes.
• Skip the full set. Buy one or two key accessories and use clothes you already own.
• Watch clearance sales after Halloween. If you are organized enough to plan for next year, first of all, who are you? Second, that is smart.

The bottom line

Halloween costumes are getting more expensive in 2026, and the increases are not small. With reported costume price hikes of $20 in 2024, $40 in 2025 and $60 in 2026, shoppers are facing a holiday that costs more every year.

Between tariffs, overseas manufacturing, limited inventory and record Halloween spending, the costume aisle is looking a little haunted.

The good news? You do not have to spend a fortune to have a good costume. You just need a little creativity, some planning and maybe the emotional strength to tell your kid that the $80 animatronic werewolf costume is “not happening.”