Trick-or-Treat or Trick-or-Spend?
If your kid has their heart set on that KPop Demon Hunters costume this year, brace yourself — it’s going to cost you. Halloween in Lubbock is officially one of the most expensive “minor” holidays on the calendar, and according to new national polls, parents are spending more than ever before.
The latest numbers show that the average person who celebrates Halloween will drop around $289 this year. But that includes everyone — even those without kids. For parents? That number skyrockets to a jaw-dropping $445 per family. Yep…that adorable costume, the neighborhood candy stash, and the pumpkin patch selfies all add up fast.
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Here’s how that $289 average breaks down across the U.S. — and yes, it tracks pretty closely with what’s happening right here in the Hub City:
$58 on costumes (for both kids and adults)
$57 on decorations (because your neighbor’s yard skeletons aren’t going to outdo themselves)
$51 on party supplies
$51 on tickets for haunted houses, corn mazes, or other events
$50 on candy for trick-or-treaters
$23 on miscellaneous items
A second poll came in just a hair higher, putting the total closer to $296, and found that even our pets are getting in on the fun — with an average of $33 going toward tiny ghost costumes and pumpkin sweaters.
Lubbock Families Feel the Pinch
Here in Lubbock, where family-friendly events like the Pumpkin Trail at the Arboretum, and countless trunk-or-treats keep the calendar full, it’s easy to see how parents are racking up receipts. Between candy for the whole block, matching costumes, and maybe a haunted hayride or two, it’s no wonder local families are feeling the strain.
Even the National Retail Federation is reporting record highs, estimating an average spend of $114 just on candy, costumes, decorations, and greeting cards — the highest in history, and up $11 from last year.
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So, while your little demon hunter might look like a million bucks this Halloween, your wallet might be the one feeling haunted. But hey — it’s all worth it when the memories (and photos) last longer than the sugar rush.
Bottom line: Halloween 2025 in Lubbock isn’t cheap — but it’s shaping up to be one of the most fun, festive, and family-filled ones yet!
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