Australians are tipped to spend $510 million on costumes, decorations and treats this Halloween, but fewer people will embrace the spooky spirit as household budgets remain under pressure, according to fresh research from the Australia Retail Council (ARC) in partnership with Roy Morgan.

With fright night falling on a Saturday this year, around 4.4 million Australians plan to celebrate themselves or through their children, down 400,000 from last year. Participation has fallen to 18 per cent, compared with 21 per cent in 2025.

Total spending is forecast to reach $510 million, up $10 million, or 2 per cent, on last year, falling short of inflation. Average spending among those celebrating is tipped to reach $117, up $14, or 13.6 per cent, on last year.

“Halloween remains a popular community celebration, bringing neighbours and families with children together through costumes, decorations and trick-or-treating,” said ARC Chief Industry Engagement Officer Fleur Brown.

“Those taking part plan to spend more on average, but fewer Australians are joining in this year. Whilst the event has risen in popularity over recent years, cost-of-living pressures including RBA rate rises are clearly taking a bite out of this year’s celebrations.”

Spooky stats

Younger Australians remain the most enthusiastic, with 18–34-year-olds the largest age group taking part. They are forecast to spend the most on average at around $134 each, contributing around $200 million in total. Participation among Australians aged 65 and over has fallen six percentage points to 15 per cent, while participation among those aged 35–49 remains steady at 20 per cent.

Victoria is forecast to record the highest average spending among the three largest states at $136 per person, followed by Queensland at $120 and New South Wales at $109. Combined spending across these states is tipped to reach around $410 million, up $20 million on last year.

Popular activities include providing treats for trick-or-treaters (45%), dressing up in costumes (44%), trick-or-treating (40%) and decorating homes (35%).

Among those celebrating, 22 per cent plan to spend less than last year, 16 per cent plan to spend more and 62 per cent expect to spend about the same.

Around 2.4 million women and 2 million men plan to celebrate, both down 200,000 on last year.

“For retailers, Halloween remains an important spending occasion ahead of peak season,” Ms Brown said.

“Whether it be a bowl of lollies at the front door or going all out and dressing up with the kids, Australians can still enjoy Halloween without a big outlay.”