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4h ago

Record Halloween Spending Collides With Costlier Candy as New York Tops 2025 City Rankings

Fresh data show candy costs climbing faster than inflation because of cocoa shortages and higher manufacturing expenses.

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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

  • New NBC News analysis shows a typical 100-count candy bag now costs about $16 versus roughly $9 five years ago, with experts citing a severe West African cocoa shortfall and producer costs up 37% since early 2024.
  • NRF forecasts a record $13.1 billion in 2025 Halloween spending, averaging $114.45 per person, with candy accounting for an estimated $3.9 billion and 73% of Americans planning to celebrate.
  • Market data indicate a shift toward non-chocolate treats: chocolate’s share of seasonal candy volume fell from 52% last year to 44% in the 12 weeks to Oct. 5, as non-chocolate gained on lower per‑pound prices.
  • Tariffs and import dependence are pressuring prices, with 79% of shoppers expecting higher costs and trade groups noting that nearly 90% of Halloween items include at least one overseas component.
  • Consumers are stretching budgets with coupons, bulk buys and non-chocolate options, as deal-hunters highlight Walgreens promotions and a CashNetUSA study finds Target the cheapest candy source in Florida; WalletHub ranks New York No. 1 for celebrating Halloween, followed by Jersey City and Los Angeles.