Pumpkin King
Photo by: Richard C. Vara
By Richard C. Vara, M.A.
Editor-in-Chief, The VCR Show
HOUSTON ( Oct. 24, 2025) – With the holidays upon us, Americans are getting ready to reach into their pockets to help spread seasonal cheer. But for many, that might be harder this year due to the state of the economy and the rising cost of living.
According to a report by Consolidated Credit, “For 2025, total Halloween spending is expected to reach a record $13.1 billion, says the latest report by the National Retail Federation. That’s well above 2024’s $11.6 billion and even tops the 2023 record of $12.2 billion.”
This year, Halloween is expected to reach spooky new heights. A 2025 infographic from Consolidated Credit shows the average person plans to spend about $114.45 on Halloween-related purchases. That includes about $33 on candy, $45 on decorations and $51 on costumes.
When it comes to celebrating, 66% of people say they’ll hand out candy, while 51% plan to decorate their homes or yards. Dressing up remains a big part of the holiday, with 51% planning to wear costumes—including children, adults and even pets. About 46% will carve pumpkins, 32% plan to attend or host parties, and 24% say they’ll visit a haunted house. Nearly a quarter—23%—plan to dress up their pets.
Consolidated Credit, a nonprofit financial counseling organization, compiled the statistics based on seasonal spending habits and survey responses, although full survey methodology was not provided.
So, what can you do to protect your wallet this season from the horrors of overspending? It comes down to cutting back and making a few budget-friendly sacrifices. Remember: You can still have fun on a budget.
According to CableTV.com, the average cost of a movie ticket is $16.08 per person. Add a large popcorn and drink combo, and that’s an additional $30. That brings your total to $46.08 for just one person. Add a second person for date night, and the cost rises to $92.16.
One way to cut down on this expense is to have a spooky movie night at home. Turn the lights down low. Chances are you already have access to a streaming service with a horror section. Pick one or two films, grab some microwave popcorn and sweet treats, and make it a night. You can even throw in a frozen pizza.
Spooky Movies
Photo by: Richard C. Vara
In the Houston area, frozen pizza averages about $4.89, while popcorn—depending on the brand—sells for around $5.79. That’s a bone-chilling difference from the $46.08 you’d spend at the theater.
Another idea for Halloween on a budget is reducing the cost of costumes. If you have a costume you wore two years ago, consider pulling it out of storage and giving it a second life. Why not? You already spent the money—use it again.
Get some friends and family together and organize a costume swap. People can bring past costumes, set them up like a swap meet, and trade for whole costumes or just individual pieces. The choice is yours. You can trade that Vampira costume for the Bride of Frankenstein in no time. Also, don’t forget about thrift and dollar stores. You can pick up costume pieces, wigs and accessories for a fraction of retail prices.
Raven Costume
Photo by: Richard C. Vara
As for the biggest scare of them all—buying candy—there are a few cost-saving options too. Consider handing out non-candy items like Halloween-themed pencils. Sure, you may not be the most popular house on the block, but a 72-pack of assorted pencils costs just $9.89 at big-box stores. Buy two packs and you’ll have 144 small but useful treats. You can also buy an 88-piece party favor pack with spider rings, magic balls and other trinkets for $9.88. All fun, all festive, and all great alternatives to pricey candy.
At the end of the night, Halloween doesn’t have to be a financial fright. With a little planning, creativity and willingness to trade name brands for budget buys, you can still have a ghoulishly good time without haunting your bank account. The real spirit of the holiday isn’t about how much you spend—but how much fun you scare up along the way.
