Halloween Sticker Shock: The Rising Cost of Candy Hits Quincy Neighborhoods
Halloween candy prices have climbed 71% since 2021, leaving Quincy households paying considerably more to keep their candy bowls filled for trick-or-treaters.
QUINCY, Ill. — Halloween may be known for ghosts, goblins and things that go bump in the night, but for Quincy residents preparing to welcome trick-or-treaters this weekend, one of the biggest scares may be waiting in the candy aisle.
The cost of Halloween candy has risen dramatically over the past several years, and families planning to hand out treats to 80-100 neighborhood children could find themselves spending substantially more than they did just a few Halloweens ago.
A September 2026 analysis by consumer finance website FinanceBuzz found that the average cost of 100 pieces of assorted Halloween candy has climbed from $9.91 in 2021 to $16.96 this year, an increase of approximately 71%.
The increase has far outpaced the approximately 22% rise in overall consumer prices during the same period, according to the study.
For a household expecting 100 trick-or-treaters and handing out one piece of candy per child, that represents an additional $7.05 in candy costs compared with five years ago. Households giving out two pieces per child, or those living along particularly popular trick-or-treating routes, could see that additional expense multiply quickly.
What Halloween Candy Costs at Retailers Serving Quincy
Quincy Current reviewed published October 2026 online candy prices from several major retailers with stores in Quincy, including Walmart, Hy-Vee, Target and Sam’s Club.
At Walmart, a 60-count variety bag containing M&M’s, Snickers, Skittles and Twix was advertised for $9.94, or approximately 17 cents per piece. Purchasing two bags would provide 120 pieces for $19.88.
A larger 120-count Mars chocolate assortment was listed for $19.87, providing enough candy for 100 trick-or-treaters with 20 pieces remaining.
Hy-Vee advertised a 120-count assortment of M&M’s, Snickers, Twix and Milky Way for $19.99, reduced from a listed regular price of $24.99. A smaller 65-count chocolate assortment was advertised for $8.99, down from $11.99.
For shoppers buying in larger quantities, Sam’s Club advertised an 80-count Halloween assortment featuring Snickers, Twix and Skittles for $14.98. A 185-count Mars assortment was also listed for $23.98.
Target’s online listings included a Snickers Fun Size variety bag for $10.29, although the assortment’s piece count was not established in the pricing information reviewed.
The prices illustrate how the cost of Halloween can vary depending on package size, candy selection and advertised promotions. Online prices may differ from those at individual Quincy stores, and shoppers should verify local availability before making a purchase.
How Much More Are Quincy Households Paying?
FinanceBuzz examined historical Halloween candy advertisements from Walmart, Target, Kroger and Albertsons, tracking prices from 2021 through 2026.
The study found that the average cost of 100 pieces of assorted Halloween candy rose steadily, with some of the largest increases occurring between 2023 and 2025.
Based on those findings, the estimated cost of distributing one piece of candy to 80 or 100 children has changed as follows:
| Halloween | 80 pieces | 100 pieces |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $7.93 | $9.91 |
| 2022 | $8.39 | $10.49 |
| 2023 | $9.29 | $11.61 |
| 2024 | $11.25 | $14.06 |
| 2025 | $13.11 | $16.39 |
| 2026 | $13.57 | $16.96 |
The estimates are based on the national study’s average cost per piece and assume residents purchase exactly the quantity needed. Actual checkout costs can be higher because candy is sold in prepackaged bags.
For households that have been handing out candy since 2021, the increase amounts to approximately $5.64 more for 80 pieces or $7.05 more for 100 pieces.
Those giving two treats to each child could spend approximately $27.14 to $33.92 in candy at this year’s average prices, compared with $15.86 to $19.82 in 2021.
Why Is Candy So Expensive?
The price increases are not simply a matter of Halloween demand.
Chocolate manufacturers have faced significant increases in cocoa costs, driven in part by poor growing conditions and disruptions to production in West Africa, where much of the world’s cocoa is produced.
Although cocoa prices have retreated from previous record highs, those reductions have not necessarily translated into lower retail prices.
An Associated Press report published Oct. 24 found that candy prices have risen 44% over five years under a separate industry price measure, compared with a 22.5% increase in overall grocery prices.
The report also cited NielsenIQ data showing candy sales declined 6.7% during the month ending Oct. 17 compared with the same period last year, suggesting consumers are becoming increasingly cautious about their seasonal spending.
The FinanceBuzz study found that Halloween candy inflation has slowed considerably in 2026, increasing approximately 3.5% over 2025. However, that modest increase comes after several years of substantial price hikes, leaving prices well above their pre-2022 levels.
A Quincy Tradition That Keeps Giving
Despite the higher costs, Halloween remains a popular community tradition throughout Quincy.
Each year, families decorate their homes, children dress in costumes and neighbors gather along residential streets to celebrate the holiday.
For residents hoping to stretch their candy budgets this year, comparing the number of individually wrapped pieces rather than simply looking at the price printed on a bag can make a meaningful difference.
Buying larger assortments, watching for advertised specials and mixing chocolate with less expensive non-chocolate treats may help keep expenses manageable.
And while the cost of filling the candy bowl has risen considerably, the tradition itself remains much the same.
For a few hours each October, neighborhood doorsteps become gathering places, costumes inspire smiles and a small piece of candy helps create a childhood memory.
That may be one Halloween tradition Quincy residents aren’t quite ready to give up.
Sources: FinanceBuzz, Halloween Candy Prices Up 71% Since 2021 (Sept. 30, 2026); Associated Press (Oct. 24, 2026); Walmart, Hy-Vee, Target and Sam’s Club published online Halloween candy listings reviewed Oct. 26, 2026
