How Much Do Americans Spend on Halloween? (2014–2024)
Ranked among the top shopping holidays in the United States in terms of expenditure per person, Halloween is one event businesses should ramp up their marketing for to boost revenue. In 2024, the average person is expected to spend $103.63 on Halloween. But what will be the cost of Halloween celebrations overall?
Halloween spending: key numbers
- Halloween spending in 2024 is estimated at $11.6 billion, a 4.9% drop compared to 2023’s peak of $12.2 billion.
- Halloween expenditures have shown ups and downs over the past decade, with a sharp decline in 2020 due to the pandemic, followed by a significant rebound of 26.3% in 2021, crossing the $10 billion mark.
- Between 2014 and 2024, overall spending on Halloween is projected to grow by $4.2 billion, resulting in a 56.8% increase, with an average yearly growth rate of 5.2%.
- Costumes and decorations are expected to be the top categories for Halloween spending in 2024, each generating $3.8 billion, while candy sales are forecast to bring in $3.5 billion.
How much is spent on Halloween each year: 2014–2024
|
Year |
Halloween spending |
Annual change |
|
2014 |
$7.4 billion |
+5.7% |
|
2015 |
$6.9 billion |
-6.8% |
|
2016 |
$8.4 billion |
+21.7% |
|
2017 |
$9.1 billion |
+8.3% |
|
2018 |
$9.0 billion |
-1.1% |
|
2019 |
$8.8 billion |
-2.2% |
|
2020 |
$8.0 billion |
-9.1% |
|
2021 |
$10.1 billion |
+26.3% |
|
2022 |
$10.6 billion |
+5.0% |
|
2023 |
$12.2 billion |
+15.1% |
|
2024 |
$11.6 billion |
-4.9% |
How much do Americans spend on Halloween?
Recent data on the amount of money spent on Halloween each year shows that in 2024, total expenditure is forecast to hit $11.6 billion. This marks a 4.9% annual decrease from 2023’s record-high $12.2 billion.
The same data shows that the overall cost of Halloween celebrations has been fluctuating over the past decade. In 2014, the total amount of money spent on Halloween was $7.4 billion. This fell by 6.8% the year after, in 2015, to $6.9 billion.
The dip was met with a surge of 21.7% in 2016, when the total amount of money spent on Halloween increased by $1.5 billion, to $8.4 billion. Another year of growth followed in 2017, when expenditure grew 8.3%, to $9.1 billion, a then record.
The three subsequent years saw Halloween spending decrease, falling marginally by 1.1% and 2.2% in 2018 and 2019, respectively, before declining 9.1% in 2020, to $8 billion. The tumble in 2020 is likely a result of the restrictions imposed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. That year, just 58% of consumers said they planned on celebrating Halloween. Not only was it a 10 percentage point fall from 2019, it was also the lowest since 2005.
In 2021, the total amount of money spent on Halloween skyrocketed 26.3%, surpassing $10 billion for the very first time. This was also the biggest annual increase in Halloween spending in at least a decade. The subsequent two years experienced increases, rising by 5% in 2022 and 15.1% in 2023, to $10.6 billion and $12.2 billion in expenditure, respectively.
From 2014 to 2024, expenditures on Halloween celebrations will increase by $4.2 billion, marking a 56.8% overall increase and an average annual growth rate of 5.2%.
Changes in the total amount of money spent on Halloween each year correspond with those in the percentage of people celebrating. Over the past decade, a fall in the percentage of consumers saying they planned to mark the event was met with a decline in overall expenditure, and vice versa.
What are Halloween shoppers spending the most money on?
The same data set reveals that, in 2024, Halloween shoppers are expected to spend the most amount of money on decorations and costumes. Total expenditure in each of these two categories are projected at $3.8 billion. However, when it comes to per-person expenditure, costume spending is set to be slightly higher at $33.92, compared to $33.57 on decorations.
Candy is set to be the third-highest expenditure, with total revenue forecast at $3.5 billion. Meanwhile, $500 million is expected to be spent on greeting cards.
Halloween spending: FAQs
How much money is spent on Halloween?
In 2024, a total of $11.6 billion is expected to be spent on Halloween, 4.9% less than in the previous year.
On average, how much money is expected to be spent per person for Halloween this year?
The $11.6 billion in total Halloween expenditure in 2024 translates to an average of $103.63 per person.
How many people celebrate Halloween?
Just under three-quarters (72%) of the US population plans to celebrate Halloween in 2024, a slight dip from 73% in 2023.
How much candy is sold on Halloween?
$3.5 billion worth of candy is expected to be sold for Halloween celebrations in 2024. This translates to $31.69 per person.
What are Halloween shoppers spending the most money on?
In 2024, Halloween shoppers are projected to spend the most on costumes and decorations. Analysts expect revenues from these two product categories to hit $3.5 billion.
About how much money is spent on Halloween costumes each year?
According to the latest data, a total of $3.8 billion is set to be spent on Halloween costumes in 2024. This is a 7.3% decrease from the previous year. That said, annual spending on Halloween costumes has generally risen over the past decade. In 2014, expenditure was $2.8 billion.
How much did Americans spend on Halloween in 2019?
Overall, Americans spent $8.8 billion on Halloween in 2019, a marginal 2.2% annual decrease. Per-person spending was recorded at $86.27.