Thrifty Frights: How Rising Costume Prices Are Pushing San Diegans Toward Creative, Budget-Friendly Halloween Finds

A group of young children dressed in colorful Halloween costumes smile together while holding bright orange pumpkin buckets. Standing on a leaf-strewn path in front of a cozy neighborhood home, they capture the spirit of a fun, community-centered Halloween night filled with excitement and friendship.

By Staff Writer, San Diego Monitor News

As the crisp breeze of October drifts through San Diego’s palm-lined streets and neighborhood jack-o’-lanterns begin to glow, local families are gearing up for the annual ritual of witches, skeletons, and ghostly trick-or-treaters. But this year, there’s an extra chill in the air — not from the fog machines, but from wallet shock. When it comes to Halloween costumes, prices are creeping upward, and families are wondering how to give their kids a memorable night without breaking the bank.

Across the nation, Halloween spending is projected to reach a record $13.1 billion in 2025. Inflation, supply-chain delays, and increased shipping costs are driving up prices across the board. Retailers from national chains to local boutiques report higher wholesale costs and thinner inventories. Here in San Diego, boxed costumes for kids are hovering in the $50–$80 range, while adult costumes — especially those tied to this year’s hottest pop culture hits — are climbing past $100. For a family of four, that’s enough to turn the holiday from fun to frightful. And this year’s most sought-after looks aren’t helping. Costumes inspired by K-Pop Demon Hunters, Super Mario Bros., Attack on Titan, and classic horror films like Scream are leading the pack. Add in luxury fantasy capes and detailed accessories from hit streaming shows, and it’s easy to see how Halloween has become a high-cost affair. One national retailer lists an “Attack on Titan” uniform at $69.99, and deluxe versions of superhero outfits top $120 with accessories included. But amid the sticker shock, a growing number of San Diegans are choosing to go off-script — and into the thrift stores. From Goodwill to Buffalo Exchange, Out of the Closet, and Flashbacks in Hillcrest, the secondhand scene has become a gold mine for creative costume hunters. Each offers a unique mix of vintage finds, retro gems, and one-of-a-kind pieces that can be repurposed into unforgettable Halloween looks.

At Goodwill’s Hillcrest location, racks overflow with sequined dresses, funky hats, and enough leather jackets to outfit an entire vampire coven. Over at Buffalo Exchange, shoppers find trendier pieces — think bold boots, denim jackets, and eccentric accessories that can turn any outfit into a statement. Out of the Closet, with its mix of costumes, clothing, and community-driven mission supporting HIV/AIDS services, offers a great place to shop with purpose. And just down the street, Flashbacks stands as a Hillcrest institution, its racks bursting with retro treasures — from 1970s disco jumpsuits to Victorian-inspired pieces that practically beg to be turned into ghostly gowns or witchy wear. “People are realizing that you don’t need to buy a brand-new costume to have a memorable Halloween,” says one local thrift store manager. “You can build something original, save money, and feel good about where your money’s going.”

Families are discovering that the thrill of thrifting adds creativity and bonding to the season. Instead of buying a pre-packaged outfit, parents and kids are hunting for unique pieces and crafting looks together. The result? Costumes that feel more personal, affordable, and environmentally friendly. Thrift store staff say they’ve noticed a major uptick in Halloween costume shopping over the past few years. Customers are increasingly mixing thrifted clothing with homemade touches — a hat here, a splash of paint there — to make their own versions of trending looks. Even for adults heading to parties or bar crawls, thrift shops like Buffalo Exchange and Flashbacks offer standout options that can’t be found in the Halloween aisle. For those thinking about giving thrifting a try, starting early is key.

The best pieces — boots, capes, vintage jackets, and statement dresses — tend to fly off the racks by mid-October. Pair thrifted finds with affordable accessories like wigs, face paint, or jewelry for a polished, imaginative result. And shopping at local thrift stores means your dollars stay in the community, supporting job programs, healthcare initiatives, and environmental sustainability. From La Jolla to Chula Vista, San Diego neighborhoods will soon be alive with kids in costume, porch lights glowing, and candy buckets filling fast. But this Halloween, more families are proving that creativity doesn’t come with a price tag. By shopping secondhand at places like Goodwill, Buffalo Exchange, Out of the Closet, or Flashbacks, San Diegans are keeping the magic of Halloween alive — one thrifted treasure at a time.

So if the sight of rising prices has you spooked, skip the big-box aisles and explore your local thrift shops instead. With a little imagination, you can craft something far more special than anything that comes in plastic packaging. Halloween has always been about transformation — and this year, thrifting might just be the most creative (and community-minded) transformation of all.