How much will you spend on Halloween this year?

Halloween is just around the corner, and all the decorations, costumes and sweets are already in the shops.

So how much is it likely to set you back this year?

Well, new research from MyVoucherCodes shows that many people aren’t letting cost-of-living pressures put them off celebrating.

In fact, they’re set to spend almost double what they spent last year.

Figures showed that the average person plans to spend:

• £31 on costumes (up from £19 last year)
• £44 on food and drink (up from £25 last year)
• £29 on decorations (up from £18 last year)

Why are Halloween costs higher this year?

So what’s behind the increase in Halloween spending?

Inflation will be a factor, as it’s currently at 3.8% - the highest level since January last year and almost double the Bank of England’s target of 2%.

And rising food prices are one big contributor to that headline figure.

In fact, food inflation hit 5.1% in the year to August - the fifth month in a row it’s gone up.

But at the same time, we’re seeing a growing enthusiasm for Halloween.

More than half of people (55%) say they plan to celebrate Halloween this year.

That’s up from 48% in 2024.

How can you save money on Halloween celebrations?

If you want to join in with the Halloween festivities, there are a few ways that you can make sure you’re not paying over the odds.

Set a spending limit

Before hitting the shops, decide how much you’re willing to spend overall - and stick to it.

It’s really easy to get swept away in the excitement when you’re surrounded by themed goodies.

But if you set yourself a limit, you can avoid spending more than you can afford and enjoy the season without worrying about the consequences.

Plan ahead and buy smart

Non-perishable items like sweets, drinks and party supplies are already in the shops, so try to snap these up as soon as possible, so you don’t miss out on the best prices.

Go own brand

Don’t feel pressured to buy expensive branded treats.

Large bags of unbranded sweets and chocolates are just as tasty as pricier well-known brands - and the kids won’t care. 

Make your own decorations 

If you’re hosting a Halloween party, you don’t have to spend a fortune on decorations.

Keep costs down by making spider webs out of shredded black bin bags, hang bedsheet ghosts from trees outside or cut up paper plates to make a skeleton to hoist above doorframes.

Create your own costumes

There’s plenty of budget-friendly costume options at this time of year.

You could rip up an old t-shirt and add fake blood for a zombie look, wrap yourself in loo roll to look like a mummy costume or use an old bedsheet as a ghost costume.

Another option is to use make-up to create the look of cat whiskers or skeletal faces.

Buy second-hand

Check your local charity shops as lots of costumes will get donated - and you might even find a selection with the price tags still on.

It could also be worth setting up a costume swap among your friendship group and handing down outfits that the kids have grown out of.

Host a shared celebration

If you’re planning a party, team up with friends, neighbours or family to split costs, or ask everyone to bring a Halloween-themed dish and a bottle.

Make the most of your pumpkin

Pumpkins aren’t just a great Halloween decoration. 

Once you’ve scooped it out, you can use the insides to make spicy pumpkin soup or pumpkin cake.