Well, good gourd, it’s Fall, y’all. In 2026, Finder estimates that 144 million Americans (roughly 42% of the population) plan to have a gourd ole’ time buying a pumpkin to make homemade jack-o-lanterns, which is down from the 46% (then 157 million people) in 2025 who said they’d be making jack-o-lanterns.
The bad news for consumers is that the cost of a pumpkin is up, with prices rising compared to last year. In 2026, the cost of the average pumpkin is projected to be around $5.35 come Halloween, which is up from last year’s actual cost of $5.26.
Americans are projected to spend approximately $771 million on pumpkins in 2026. However, with less people carving pumpkins, Americans will spend about $58 million (7%) less than the $829 million just a year ago.
Here’s how the total adds up:
Overall, Halloween 2026 spending is expected to be down, according to the National Retail Federation. Americans are forecast to spend $13.5 billion on All Saints’ Day in 2026, which is up from the $13.1 billion we spent in 2025.
As inflation puts a squeeze on most Americans’ budgets, it makes the holidays even more challenging than usual. To afford extra food, decorations and party clothes, there are easy ways to save money and make the most of your everyday purchases.
One is spending and earning cash back on credit cards that offer the biggest rewards. Another tip is buying like-new items on online thrift shops for a fraction of retail prices, according to Finder’s Money Expert, Laura Adams, MBA.
A pumpkin is projected to cost $5.35 in 2026.
The National Retail Federation (NRF) also tracks popular costumes, with dressing like a witch the most popular choice for adults in 2026, Spiderman for kids and a pumpkin for pets — all three of which being the most popular choice in each category since 2017.
Americans are expected to drop $4.42 billion on costumes in 2026, according to the NRF, with $2 billion spent on adult costumes, $1.5 billion for kids and $0.92 billion on pets.
