U.S. consumers expect to spend $13.5 billion on Halloween this year, according to the National Retail Federation’s 2026 survey. That compares with $13.1 billion in 2025, a calculated increase of $400 million.

The average planned spend is $115.14 per person. Those are survey-based intentions, not a final sales total or an amount each household is supposed to spend.

NRF 2026 CONSUMER SURVEY

$13.5 billion in planned Halloween spending

Expected spending, not final sales. Survey conducted September 1 to 9, 2026.

  1. 01

    $4.4B

    Costumes

  2. 02

    $4.3B

    Decorations

  3. 03

    $4.1B

    Candy

  4. 04

    $0.8B

    Greeting cards

Source: National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics. Category estimates are rounded.EDIT USA.

The biggest baskets

Costumes account for an expected $4.4 billion, followed by decorations at $4.3 billion and candy at $4.1 billion. The mix explains why the holiday reaches beyond a single costume purchase: a family can reuse an outfit while still buying sweets or adding something to the front step.

NRF and Prosper Insights & Analytics surveyed 7,889 consumers September 1 through 9. The early timing matters. People may change their plans before October 31, and the forecast should be read with that uncertainty intact.

Spending and thrift can happen together

In a separate analysis of the survey, NRF says 34% of respondents look for items they can reuse. More than half report reusing about half or more of their costume items, while the share doing so with decorations is higher.

Retailers can compare those reuse intentions with their own records of complete-costume and accessory purchases. A small accessory can complete an old costume. One replacement string of lights can bring an existing display back into use. A shopper taking that approach still buys, but may be looking for a finishing piece rather than a whole new setup.

NRF's survey does not measure which finishing pieces actually sold.

A forecast has a closing date

The $13.5 billion figure is useful for understanding the scale of intended demand. It cannot tell a shop how much stock it will sell, or a family whether a purchase is affordable.

For shoppers in the last week before Halloween, compare the total price and the likely arrival date. A discount on an item that arrives after the party is a poor fit for this year’s plans, even if the item can be saved for the next one.