The National Retail Federation expects total spending on the Halloween season (costumes, pumpkins, candy and decorations) to set a new record of $12.2 billion (up from $10.6 billion in 2022). Americans are projected to spend $3.6 billion on candy alone, compared to $3.1 billion last year.
However, these projections are based on national averages, and the prices and spending increases will not be the same in all states. General inflation of food, fuel, transportation and labor, among other factors, influence prices at the state level. CNBC listed the states where the cost of celebrating Halloween have increased the most and the least compared to 2022.
The 10 states where candy prices have increased the most and least
Maryland saw the highest increases on the price of Halloween candy, at 13.56%. Pennsylvania follows with 13.15%. New Jersey (12.3%), Maine (2.29%), Vermont (11.93%), Delaware (11.78%), New York: (11.5%), Utah (11.23%), Connecticut (11.1%) and New Hampshire (11%) close out the top 10.
At the other extreme, the states where the prices of Halloween candy have risen the least are:
- Alaska saw an increase of 5.64%.
- Colorado (7.3%).
- Oregon (7.44%).
- Washington (7.53%).
- Hawaii (7.7%).
- Michigan (7.79%).
- Arizona (7.92%).
- Wisconsin (8.39%).
- North Carolina (8.42%).
- Virginia (8.45%).
