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Washington Trick-or-Treat Alert: Candy Up 71% by Oct. 31
Seattle, WA – Washington families preparing for Halloween on Saturday, Oct. 31, may face a more expensive trip down the candy aisle this week. With trick or treating just days away, the higher cost of
By Evan Cross · 2026-10-25T19:41:02.780Z
Seattle, WA – Washington families preparing for Halloween on Saturday, Oct. 31, may face a more expensive trip down the candy aisle this week. With trick or treating just days away, the higher cost of Halloween sweets could prompt some households to buy fewer bags, look for discounts or adjust their holiday budgets.
According to a 2026 FinanceBuzz study, Halloween candy prices nationwide have increased 71% since 2021 , compared with a 22% increase in overall consumer prices during the same period.
Researchers found that a 100 piece bag of assorted Halloween candy now averages $16.96 , up from $9.91 five years ago. That means families are paying approximately $7.05 more per bag at the study's national average price.
For households in Seattle, Tacoma, Spokane, Bellevue, Everett, Vancouver and communities across Washington, those higher prices could become a consideration when purchasing treats for neighborhood children.
A family planning to distribute 300 pieces of candy would spend approximately $50.88 in 2026 , compared with $29.73 in 2021, based on the study's average prices. That's an additional $21.15 for the same number of pieces.
The pace of candy inflation has slowed, but prices have continued climbing. FinanceBuzz reported a further 3.5% increase between 2025 and 2026.
Meanwhile, the National Retail Federation projects Americans will spend $13.5 billion on Halloween in 2026 , including approximately $4.1 billion on candy.
Its consumer survey found that 31% of shoppers would compare prices if Halloween merchandise cost more than expected, while 26% would look for coupons or sales.
These are national findings, not Washington specific measurements. They also do not establish that families are actually handing out fewer treats.
Washington residents looking to manage costs can compare grocery store promotions, estimate their expected number of trick or treaters and set a spending limit before shopping.
With Halloween approaching Saturday, candy inflation remains one more expense for families planning this year's celebrations.