PENNSYLVANIA — Ghosts and goblins aren't the only things haunting Pennsylvania families this Halloween. Higher prices are showing up in candy bags, costume aisles and Halloween decorations, adding another expense to household budgets already stretched by the rising cost of everyday essentials.

A new study found that Halloween candy prices have risen by 71% since 2021, more than triple the national inflation rate. In 2026, prices for Halloween costumes have increased up to $60, which could leave families spending around $200 just to purchase three costumes.

For families, the price increases can be impossible to miss. A survey from the National Retail Federation found 79% of shoppers expect prices on Halloween items will be higher this year specifically because of tariffs. On average, the cost for a 100-piece bag of candy is $16.96 in 2026, up 3.5% from last year, and 71% since 2021. Even families trying to save money with do-it-yourself costumes aren't completely insulated from rising prices. According to the most recent Consumer Price Index report, apparel prices are rising faster than overall inflation.

“Halloween is supposed to be a time for kids to have fun—not another reminder that families are being asked to pay more for everything,” said Aidalis, parent of two and resident of Bethlehem. “Parents are already being haunted by grocery receipts, health care bills, housing and utilities and now those same pressures are making buying a bag of Halloween candy or a costume harder. Tariffs, the new tax law and fuel prices aren’t just stealing our money, they’re stealing our joy. People receiving SNAP are judged for using it to buy things like candy or birthday cakes, but poor people deserve to be happy too.”

For families already living paycheck to paycheck, there are only so many expenses they can cut. Halloween candy may be optional, but groceries, heating, health care and other basic household expenses are not. And the financial fright won’t end on October 31.

“Families shouldn't have to become financial contortionists just to afford the basics, whether that's groceries for dinner or candy for trick-or-treaters,” said Rachel Fortier, executive director of Affordable Pennsylvania. “When policies designed to lower costs instead make everyday goods more expensive, Pennsylvanians deserve to know who's responsible for the higher bill.”

This Halloween, the biggest fright shouldn't be the price at the checkout counter.

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Affordable Pennsylvania is a Pennsylvania organization focused on holding elected leaders accountable for the decisions they make and their impact on working families. We make sure Pennsylvanians have the facts about how federal policies and votes affect the cost of everyday life, including groceries, health care, child care, utilities and transportation.