A scary surprise for Halloween shoppers
Halloween is one of America’s favourite holidays — a time for costumes, candy, and creative decorations. But this year, there’s something spooky happening long before the ghosts and goblins come out. Prices for Halloween decorations and costumes are going up across the country, and it’s not because of supply shortages or inflation alone.
The real culprit? Tariffs. These extra taxes on imported goods are affecting everything from pumpkin lights to life-size skeletons. Since nearly 90% of Halloween decorations are manufactured overseas, especially in China, the added costs are being passed on to consumers. That means shoppers can expect to pay more — and in some cases, a lot more — for their spooky setups this year.
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Decorations will cost more than ever
Halloween decorations have always been a highlight of the season, with Americans spending billions each year to transform their homes into haunted houses. But in 2025, prices for those eerie inflatables and glowing pumpkins are climbing fast.
Retail experts report that some Halloween decorations now cost $20 to $200 more than last year. Many retailers say they’re trying to absorb part of the cost, but they can’t cover it all. As a result, stores are passing the higher prices along to shoppers.
The reason is simple — tariffs make imported goods more expensive to bring into the country. Since so many decorations are produced abroad, especially in factories in China, these added fees have hit Halloween retailers particularly hard.
So, if you plan to buy new spooky lights, animatronic ghosts, or yard inflatables this year, expect to spend more — or consider reusing last year’s decor.
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Costume prices are creeping up too
It’s not just decorations feeling the pinch. Halloween costumes are also getting more expensive in 2025.
According to Newsweek, the average Halloween shopper will spend about $115 this year, up $11 from last year. That’s mostly due to the same tariffs that are raising decoration costs.
Experts say costume prices could rise anywhere from $5 to $10 more per outfit, and some high-end or imported costumes could even double in price. So whether you’re dressing up as a witch, superhero, or vampire, your wallet might feel the scare this Halloween.
Stores will have fewer choices on shelves
The higher costs are also leading to fewer options for shoppers. Retailers are being forced to make tough choices about which products to stock.
A major supplier told CNN that it decided not to carry large animatronic decorations this year because tariffs would have raised the price by more than $200 — too much to expect customers to pay. Other stores are scaling back on ordering oversized or luxury Halloween items, meaning shoppers might see less variety in stores and online.
If you’re hoping to grab that life-size zombie or giant talking pumpkin, you may want to shop early — supplies are expected to be limited.
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Candy prices won’t haunt your budget
Thankfully, not everything about Halloween 2025 is scary for your wallet. Most candy sold in the U.S. is made domestically, so it’s less affected by tariffs.
While candy prices have seen small increases — about 2% to 5% higher — most families probably won’t notice the difference. This implies that you can still satisfy your trick-or-treat cravings without incurring significant expenses.
Americans are still spending more on Halloween
Even with these price increases, Americans aren’t cutting back on their Halloween spirit. The National Retail Federation estimates that Halloween spending in 2025 will reach $4.2 billion, up $1.6 billion compared to six years ago.
Experts say this rise in spending comes from both inflation and the growing trend of people investing more in decorations than in candy or costumes. From yard skeletons to LED-lit haunted houses, Halloween decor has become a big business.
The bottom line
Halloween 2025 will still be full of fun, costumes, and candy — but it might cost a little more to celebrate. With tariffs raising prices on imported goods, expect to see higher costs for decorations and fewer fancy items on store shelves.
The good news? Candy remains affordable, and creative shoppers can still enjoy the holiday by reusing old decorations or shopping smart. So while this year’s Halloween might be a little pricier, it doesn’t have to be less festive.
This October, the scariest thing may be the checkout receipt, not the ghosts!
