Trick-Or-Treat Budget Hits New High in Iowa as Candy Prices Soar

Halloween is a lot of people's favorite holiday.

I have an almost 7-month-old, and for my wife and me, it will be a truly unique and fun  Halloween.

If you're preparing for the holiday by buying boatloads of candy, maybe you noticed something a little different this year.

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The cost.

Halloween Candy Prices Are Beating Inflation

Halloween is approaching, and while the costumes are ready and the pumpkins carved, Iowa families may be facing a sting at the candy aisle.

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A new analysis from FinanceBuzz shows that the average price for a 100-piece bulk bag of Halloween candy is now about $16.39, up 78% since 2020, according to Finance Buzz.

That climb far outpaces the national inflation rate of about 25% over the same period. For Iowa neighborhoods hosting trick-or-treat rounds, that means handing out sweet treats is costing significantly more.

The sharpest price spikes occurred in the last two years; candy bag prices rose by more than $2 per year between 2023 and 2025, while increases from 2020 to 2022 were much smaller.

How to Save Money on Halloween Candy

For Iowa parents and hosts of Halloween events, that can add up fast.

Instead of buying for a dozen trick-or-treaters, some households may now be budgeting for hundreds of kids across sidewalks and neighborhood streets.

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Here are a few ways Iowans can stretch their candy budget this year:

• Set a candy spend cap ahead of time, know your neighborhood, and plan accordingly.

• Buy off-brand mixed candy bags or buy in bulk at club stores to lock in a lower cost per piece.

• Incorporate non-candy items like stickers or pencils to supplement treats and lower overall cost.

• Watch for local store specials and week-long deals before Halloween week.

• Buy in bulk: My wife and I purchased our candy at Sam's Club; you could also grab it at Costco to save money and get a larger volume of candy.

Even in the heart of Iowa, where local spirit and community trick-or-treating run strong, the rising prices mean smart planning can make the difference between a spooktacular night and a scary budget shock.

Let's see more cute pets in Halloween