Australians will spend 510 million Australian dollars on Halloween costumes, decorations and confectionery this year, according to joint research from the Australian Retail Council and Roy Morgan.

Total spending will edge up 2 per cent from 500 million dollars last year, trailing domestic inflation even as individual celebrants plan to spend more cash per basket.

Around 4.4 million Australians plan to celebrate Halloween personally or through their children, down by 400,000 from 2025. National participation dropped to 18 per cent compared to 21 per cent twelve months ago. Those who do take part plan to spend an average of 117 dollars each, a 13.6 per cent increase of 14 dollars on last year.

The spending expansion reflects elevated retail prices rather than organic volume growth across checkout counters. Household budgets remain squeezed by sustained borrowing costs and elevated utility bills across metropolitan and regional centres. Among respondents planning to celebrate, 62 per cent said they will keep outlays flat, 22 per cent plan to reduce spending, and 16 per cent plan to spend more.

Participation split across gender lines shows 2.4 million women and 2 million men planning to mark the event, with both groups shrinking by 200,000 participants compared to 2025.

Fleur Brown, chief industry engagement officer at the Australian Retail Council, pointed to broader household financial strains. “Those taking part plan to spend more on average, but fewer Australians are joining in this year,” Brown said.

Younger shoppers between 18 and 34 years old represent the largest demographic cohort participating in the event.

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