Money Matters - Halloween Expenses Survey

 With Halloween just days away and consumers expected to spend roughly $13.5 billion on the occasion, WalletHub today announced the results of its nationally representative Halloween Spending & Financial Fears Survey. WalletHub also released its picks for 2026’s Worst Credit Cards to highlight scary offers that people should avoid, along with money-saving alternatives.

Key Findings

• Scary-High Prices: More than 2 in 3 people think Halloween is too expensive.
   
• Spooky Budget Cuts: 71% of people say they’re planning to spend less on Halloween this year compared to last year.
   
• A Fear-Inspiring Economy: 88% of people are fearful of this economy.
   
• Haunting Inflation: More than 2 in 5 Americans say inflation is the scariest thing about the economy right now.
   
• Nightmare on Budget Street: 44% of Americans say their finances are a horror show.
   
• Fear the AI Reaper: Nearly 2 in 5 people are scared that AI will steal their job.
   
• Carving Out Room for Halloween Spending: 38% of Americans have a Halloween budget.
   
• Worst Credit Cards: 2026’s picks charge fees up to $1,199 and have APRs as high as 36%.
  
   

“Consumers are a bit apprehensive about Halloween this year – not because they’re especially scared of spooky costumes and haunted houses, but rather because their financial fears are bubbling to the surface. Halloween is a major spending occasion in its own right, and it’s just the appetizer for end-of-year holidays. Think about all of those bills through the eyes of the 88% of people who say they are fearful of this economy or the 44% who say their finances are already a horror show, according to WalletHub’s new survey.

Anxiety about affordability is understandable, and it’s no doubt contributing to 71% of people planning to spend less on Halloween this year, despite inflation already shrinking purchasing power. Careful budgeting is one great way to make sure you can afford the holiday season, so the 38% of people who have a Halloween budget are on the right track.”

 - Chip Lupo, WalletHub Analyst
 
 

More From WalletHub

• Best Places for Halloween
• Early Holiday Shopping Survey
• Worst Credit Cards
• Best Credit Cards