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7h ago

New York Leads 2025 Halloween City Rankings as Candy Costs Surge and Spending Hits a Record

Cocoa shortfalls, tariffs, higher manufacturing costs are driving a pricier Halloween.

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Skeletons adorn a Houston front yard as part of a fundraiser in support of St. Jude Children's Hospital called ‘Skeletons for St. Jude’ in Houston on Oct. 15. Although most consumers expect tariffs to drive up Halloween prices this year, they are still planning to celebrate with costumes, candy and decorations.

Overview

  • WalletHub names New York City No. 1 for Halloween in 2025, followed by Jersey City, Los Angeles, Chicago and Las Vegas, based on 20 metrics across trick-or-treater friendliness, fun and weather.
  • The rankings weighted safety and kid-friendliness most, incorporating indicators such as crime and pedestrian fatality rates, plus access to costume and candy stores and walkability.
  • The National Retail Federation projects record Halloween outlays of about $13.1 billion this year, averaging roughly $114.45 per person, with candy accounting for an estimated $3.9 billion and 73% planning to celebrate.
  • New NBC analysis shows candy prices are rising faster than overall inflation and are higher than in 2024, with FinanceBuzz estimating a typical 100-count bag now around $16 versus about $9 five years ago.
  • Experts cite poor West African cocoa harvests creating a major global deficit, higher energy, labor and transport costs for confectioners, and tariffs, while consumers respond with bulk buys, coupons, non-chocolate options, secondhand or DIY costumes and retailer promotions.