Here’s how much U.S. consumers expect to spend for Halloween this year
The U.S. Economy and Holiday Spending Trends
The U.S. economy may be facing uncertainty, but that isn’t stopping consumers from getting into the Halloween spirit this year. According to a recent survey conducted by consulting firm PwC, nearly 80% of respondents are planning to indulge in Halloween festivities, with an average expected spending of $289 per person. Parents with young kids are projected to spend even more, with an average of $445.
Kelly Pedersen, global retail leader at PwC, highlighted that despite economic challenges, people are still willing to spend on Halloween as it is not a significant expense compared to other holidays. The survey revealed where consumers are allocating their Halloween budget:
- Costumes – $58
- Decorations – $57
- Food, drink, supplies for parties – $51
- Event tickets – $51
- Giveaways for trick-or-treaters – $50
- Other – $23
Interestingly, a large portion of consumers began their Halloween preparations early, with 34% having already spent half of their budget by September. Gen Z, in particular, is prioritizing experiences over material possessions, with many investing in Halloween parties and outings for social media-worthy moments.
PwC’s findings are based on a survey of 2,016 adults conducted in September. Looking ahead to the holiday season, broader spending is expected to remain steady. The National Retail Federation forecasts an average expenditure of approximately $890 per person on holiday gifts, decorations, and other seasonal items.
While this figure represents a slight decrease from last year’s spending, it still stands as the second-highest amount recorded by the NRF in over two decades. Retailers are eagerly anticipating the holiday rush, hoping that consumer confidence and spending will remain resilient despite economic challenges.
