Chicago, IL – Illinois families preparing for Halloween on Saturday, Oct. 31, could face an expensive surprise at the checkout counter as trick-or-treat candy prices remain substantially higher than five years ago. With Halloween less than a week away, rising costs may prompt some households to purchase fewer bags, distribute smaller portions or reconsider their holiday spending.
According to a 2026 FinanceBuzz study, Halloween candy prices nationwide have increased 71% since 2021, more than triple the national inflation rate of 22% over the same period.
Researchers found that a 100-piece bag of assorted Halloween candy now averages $16.96, compared with $9.91 in 2021. That represents an additional $7.05 per bag, making it considerably more expensive to stock up for neighborhood trick-or-treaters…