Halloween Spending Hits $160 Per Person: Here Is How to Save Locally

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Halloween has become a pretty pricey holiday. Americans are expected to spend about thirty-five dollars more each compared to back in 2019. And with the holiday coming up fast, some may be looking for a cost-friendly way to celebrate.

“We are celebrating spectacular and highlighting the idea about wearing costumes and all that the Halloween holiday has to do", said Unity Gardens Executive Director Sarah Stewart.

She points out a real horror story: it’s the terrifying bill that the average American is expected to spend this year to celebrate Halloween.

“Costumes $52.47 on average. Candy $36.40 on average. Decorations $47.69. and cards are $25.25.” said Northwestern University Professor Emeritus of Integrated Marketing & Communications Dr. Martin Block.

That's $160. Dr. Martin block of northwestern university studies the trends of what Americans are looking at spending for the holiday. In 2019, before the pandemic, Americans spent around $125 each. Now that number is $35 higher. One way to save is shopping second-hand or swapping.

“Costumes are expensive. Holidays are expensive. Things are going up. So, but you don't want to be the same thing like a corn cob every single year." said Stewart, "So what we're doing is allowing people in our community to share, drop off a costume, take a costume, let our dollars stretch better.”

Whether you swap a costume at unity gardens or want to purchase from a large selection of budget family options, once upon a child in Mishawaka has a large selection of budget-friendly options just so everyone in south bend can celebrate the holiday.

“Just the gratitude that they show, it's, it's so heartwarming, and it makes us feel so good that we're here and we're you know serving that purpose and helping people”. said Co-Owner of Once Upon A Child Mishawaka Stephanie McCoy.

Unity gardens' swap runs through Oct. 26. Once upon a child had three separate rows of costumes, accessories, and other Halloween-inspired apparel. Both places giving families plenty of spooktacular options to keep that credit card bill from getting too scary.