Halloween will cost an average of 9.6% more than in 2025. That’s according to the Federconsumatori Observatory, which has updated its monitoring of spending on costumes, make-up, sweets and parties. Among the steepest increases are those for candy and chocolate, while some purchases — from children’s costumes to larger make-up kits — have actually become cheaper.
“The cost of candy and chocolate has risen by 25% and 24% respectively,” states the press release issued by Federconsumatori Rimini. A 200-gram bag of sweets now costs an average of €4.99, up from €4 last year. A 250-gram box of chocolates has gone from €5 to €6.20.
The price rise for biscuits decorated with pumpkins, ghosts and bats has been more modest: 200 grams now cost an average of €5.90, up 2%. Meanwhile, the price of the “haunted apple” has actually dropped, from €7.80 to €7.50.
To keep costs down, the association suggests making treats at home: “There’s no shortage of online tutorials, and preparing themed sweets at home can become an opportunity to spend quality time with your children and family — not to mention the savings: making treats at home can cut costs by up to 70%.”
Organising a party is also more expensive this year. Renting a venue now costs €499, up from €420 in 2025 — a 19% increase. The cost of a buffet has risen from €23 to €24.60 per person, while SIAE licensing fees for events with up to 200 guests have jumped from €137.88 to €186.54, a 35% increase.
“Rather than give up the celebrations altogether, a trend that has now firmly taken hold is the organisation of parties at home,” Federconsumatori notes. “This is certainly a more economical solution compared to attending large events at venues or paying for a hall rental, which has risen by 19% this year.”
Among service costs, entertainers now charge €110 instead of €100, and make-up artists €129 instead of €123. Bucking the trend, photographers have become cheaper, with prices dropping from €170 to €149 — a 12% decrease.
Costumes, meanwhile, show mixed trends. An adult costume now costs €74.99, up 6% on last year. A children’s costume has dropped to €54.90, down 8%, while renting an outfit with accessories costs €50, down 2%.
“Couple or group costumes are very much in fashion — that is, coordinated outfits worn by couples, friends or family members,” the statement reads. Alongside witches, vampires, skeletons and characters from films and video games, this year’s monitoring also notes costumes inspired by the French Revolution and Greek mythology, particularly the Odyssey.
Spray cans of coloured hairspray (260 ml) have risen by 18%, now costing €7.98. For make-up, a mini kit with one brush and six colours now costs €14.90, while a larger kit with a brush, sponge and eight colours has dropped to €28. “But here too, it’s possible to save money,” Federconsumatori suggests. “Simply opt for a look you can create using cosmetics you already have at home.”
