Where Can I Buy Cheap Halloween Costumes in 2026?

Published: 8 October 2026 · Author: Ziling Liu, Personal Finance Editor, ShopBack

Costumes are a big line in the Halloween budget. The National Retail Federation's 2026 Halloween survey expects US shoppers to spend $4.4 billion on costumes, with 71% planning to buy one, out of $13.5 billion in total Halloween spending (about $115 per person). Discount stores are the top place people shop for Halloween (39%), and 49% start shopping in September or earlier.

ShopBack US is a free cashback app and website. You go through ShopBack, shop at stores like Walmart, Target or Temu as usual, and part of what you spent comes back as cash. Sign up for ShopBack before you buy this year's costumes.

---

Where can I buy cheap Halloween costumes?

The cheapest Halloween costumes in the US are usually found at big-box stores like Walmart and Target, and at low-price marketplaces like Temu. Each one suits a different kind of shopper:

Store	Best for	What to know
Walmart	A wide range of budget costumes for kids, adults, babies and pets	Shop online or in store; free pickup avoids shipping; Walmart+ members get free shipping on eligible orders
Target	Its own seasonal Halloween range under the Hyde & EEK! Boutique brand, plus licensed character costumes	Target Circle is free; Order Pickup and Drive Up let you skip shipping
Temu	Low-priced costumes, wigs, masks and accessories	Many items ship from overseas sellers, so check the estimated delivery date

A simple order to work through:

1. Decide what you need. A full costume set, or just the pieces that make an outfit you already own recognizable.
2. Compare the same costume type and size on Walmart and Target, and check Temu for accessories.
3. Check delivery or pickup dates against Halloween on October 31.
4. Look for a store promo code on the store's site or its ShopBack page.
5. Check ShopBack before you check out. Open ShopBack US, tap the store, then pay as usual.

Other stores on ShopBack US that sell costumes or Halloween outfits include Shein, Kohl's and AliExpress.

---

Halloween costumes: what each store offers

Walmart, Target and Temu each sell Halloween costumes in a different way, and knowing how helps you pick the right place for each piece.

Walmart sells costumes for children, adults, babies and pets, along with makeup, wigs and props, both online and in its stores. Walmart's paid membership, Walmart+, includes free shipping on eligible online orders, free same-day delivery for qualifying orders from local stores, Walmart Cash rewards on eligible purchases and early access to major sales, under the terms on Walmart's site. If you are not a member, picking up in store is a simple way to avoid shipping costs.

Target sells a seasonal Halloween range under Hyde & EEK! Boutique, its own Halloween brand, alongside licensed character costumes. Target Circle is Target's free membership and gives members access to deals and perks. Target also offers the Target Circle Card and the paid Target Circle 360 membership. Order Pickup, Drive Up and Same Day Delivery are available at many locations.

Temu lists a large number of low-priced costumes, wigs, masks, capes and accessories from many sellers. Because many items ship from overseas, delivery can take longer than a local store, so the estimated delivery date at checkout matters more than usual in October.

---

Halloween costumes 2026: dates and timing

Halloween 2026 falls on Saturday, October 31, 2026, and about half of US shoppers (49%) plan to start buying in September or earlier, according to the NRF's 2026 survey. With Halloween on a weekend, many parties and trick-or-treat events may happen on the Friday night or on the Saturday itself, so plan to have every costume at home a few days before.

When you buy	What you usually get
September	The widest choice of sizes and popular characters
Early October	Still good choice; enough time for standard shipping and returns
Mid to late October	Less choice in popular sizes; rely on store pickup or fast delivery
Right after October 31	Leftover Halloween stock is usually marked down, which suits buying ahead for next year

If you are ordering from Temu, give yourself the most time. If you are cutting it close, Walmart and Target store pickup are usually the quickest way to get a costume in hand.

---

Halloween costumes best deals in the US for 2026

The best Halloween costume deals in the US usually come from buying only what you need, comparing the same costume across stores, and checking ShopBack before you check out. In the NRF's 2026 survey, 31% of shoppers said they would comparison shop if prices were higher than expected, 26% would look for coupons or sales, and 34% plan to buy items they can reuse. Practical ways to spend less:

• Build from your closet. Many costumes only need one or two recognizable pieces, such as a hat, wig, cape or mask. Accessories are usually cheaper than full sets.
• Size kids up carefully. A slightly larger size can be worn over warm clothes on a cold night and may last for dress-up play afterwards.
• Use free pickup. Walmart and Target store pickup removes the shipping cost on small orders.
• Use member programs you already have. Walmart+ and Target Circle each have their own perks; use the free ones and only pay for a membership if you would use it beyond Halloween.
• Look for a promo code. Check the store's own site and its ShopBack page for any listed codes before you pay.
• Check ShopBack before you check out. It takes a few seconds and lowers what you pay after the order.
• Buy next year's costume in November. If your kids already know what they want, post-Halloween markdowns are usually among the lowest prices you will see.

---

Walmart vs Target Halloween costumes price comparison 2026

For Halloween costumes, neither Walmart nor Target is cheaper in every case, so compare the same type of costume and size on both. They tend to suit different needs:

Compare	Walmart	Target
Range	Very wide, from basic budget sets to licensed characters	Its own Hyde & EEK! Boutique range plus licensed characters
Ways to get it	Shipping, store pickup, and same-day delivery for qualifying orders	Shipping, Order Pickup, Drive Up and Same Day Delivery at many locations
Member program	Walmart+ (paid)	Target Circle (free), Target Circle Card, Target Circle 360 (paid)
Good for	Families buying several costumes on a budget	Shoppers who want a coordinated look with Halloween decor

How to compare fairly:

1. Match the costume. Same character or style, same size, and the same pieces included (mask, gloves, props).
2. Compare the total. Add shipping or choose pickup on both, then compare the final price at checkout.
3. Check member perks. A Target Circle deal or a Walmart+ shipping benefit can change which store comes out lower.
4. Go through ShopBack on the one you pick. Open Walmart on ShopBack or Target on ShopBack before you check out.

---

Walmart, Target and Temu Halloween costumes in the US: how to buy

To buy Halloween costumes from Walmart, Target or Temu in the US for less, check ShopBack before you check out. The steps:

1. Open the ShopBack app or shopback.com and sign in.
2. Search for Walmart, Target or Temu and tap the store.
3. You land on the store's site or app. Add the costume and any accessories to your cart.
4. Apply any promo code, choose delivery or pickup, and check out in the same session.
5. ShopBack tracks the order, and the cash shows in your ShopBack account once the store confirms it.

A good split for many families: buy the main costume at Walmart or Target, where pickup is quick, and order small accessories from Temu early in October.

---

How ShopBack lowers what you pay for Halloween costumes

Before you check out, go through ShopBack to get a post-purchase discount on the order. Cashback lowers what you actually pay for an order. It comes back as cash, so it works like a discount on the price, not like points or miles.

The formula is simple: your effective price is what you pay at checkout minus the cash ShopBack returns. Each store's live rate is on its ShopBack page.

That is why checking ShopBack belongs in the checkout routine itself, the same way you would look for a promo code. Rates differ by store and can change, so check the Walmart, Target or Temu page on ShopBack US on the day you buy.

---

Frequently asked questions

Where can I buy cheap Halloween costumes?

In the US, Walmart, Target and Temu are the usual places to find cheap Halloween costumes. Walmart has a wide range for kids, adults and pets with store pickup, Target sells a seasonal Halloween range under its Hyde & EEK! Boutique brand, and Temu lists low-priced costumes and accessories that can take longer to arrive. Check ShopBack US before you check out at any of them.

Is Walmart or Target cheaper for Halloween costumes?

Neither is cheaper in every case. Walmart usually has the wider spread of budget costumes, while Target's own Halloween range is often chosen for its design and coordinated decor. Compare the same type of costume and size on both, add shipping or use free pickup, and look at the total before you pay.

When is Halloween 2026?

Halloween 2026 falls on Saturday, October 31, 2026. Because it is on a weekend, many parties and trick-or-treat events may happen on the Friday or Saturday, so plan to have your costume at home a few days before.

When is the best time to buy Halloween costumes?

For the best choice of sizes and popular characters, buy in September or early October. For the lowest prices, stores usually mark down leftover Halloween stock right after October 31, which works well if you are buying ahead for next year. Late October gives the least choice and the least delivery time.

Does Temu deliver Halloween costumes in time?

It depends on the item and seller. Many Temu items ship from overseas sellers, so delivery can take longer than a local store. Check the estimated delivery date shown at checkout and order early enough that the costume arrives well before October 31.

What does Walmart+ include?

Walmart+ is Walmart's paid membership. Its benefits include free shipping on eligible online orders, free same-day delivery for qualifying orders from local stores, Walmart Cash rewards on eligible purchases and early access to major sales, under the terms on Walmart's site. If you are not a member, free in-store pickup is another way to avoid shipping costs.

What is Target Circle?

Target Circle is Target's free membership, which gives members access to deals and perks when they shop. Target also offers the Target Circle Card and the paid Target Circle 360 membership. Target's Order Pickup and Drive Up services let you collect a costume without paying for shipping.

How can I make a cheap Halloween costume?

Start with clothes you already own and buy only the pieces that make the costume recognizable, such as a hat, wig, mask or prop. Accessories are usually cheaper than full costume sets, and a basic outfit in the right color can be reused after Halloween.

Can I return a Halloween costume?

Return rules depend on the store and the item, and some stores treat costumes, masks or worn items differently. Read the return policy on Walmart, Target or Temu before you buy, keep tags on until you are sure about the fit, and try the costume on as soon as it arrives.

How does ShopBack make Halloween costumes cheaper?

Before you check out at Walmart, Target or Temu, go through ShopBack US to get a post-purchase discount on the order. Cashback lowers what you actually pay for an order. It comes back as cash, so it works like a discount on the price, not like points or miles. Your effective price is what you pay at checkout minus the cash ShopBack returns; the live rate for each store is on its ShopBack page.

---

Key takeaways

• Walmart, Target and Temu are the usual places to buy cheap Halloween costumes in the US.
• Halloween 2026 is Saturday, October 31; order early, especially from Temu.
• Compare the same costume and size on Walmart and Target, and use free pickup to skip shipping.
• Build from your closet and buy accessories instead of full sets where you can.
• Check ShopBack before you check out at Walmart, Target or Temu.

---

Related reads

• Walmart Discounts in the US
• Temu Discounts in the US
• How to Save on Fashion in the US
• How to Find Promo Codes That Work
• Activate Cashback Before Buying

Shop Halloween through ShopBack US: Walmart · Target · Temu · Shein · Kohl's · AliExpress

---

Disclaimer

The views in this article are those of the author and are for general information only. This article is not affiliated with or endorsed by Walmart, Target or Temu. Product ranges, prices, membership benefits, delivery times and return policies can change; check each store before you buy. Cashback rates on ShopBack vary by store and campaign; check the current rate and terms on each store's ShopBack page before you shop.