Study reveals average the Halloween costume price increased by $60 in 2026

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

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.

One of the biggest factors is overseas manufacturing. The Halloween and Costume Association says nearly 90 percent 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.