TROY, Ala. (TROJANVISION) — Halloween is supposed to be a time for costumes, candy, and spooky decorations, but this year, celebrating the holiday may be a little scarier for your wallet.

Rising prices are affecting more than everyday necessities. Halloween supplies are also becoming more expensive, leaving students and campus organizations looking for ways to save money while still enjoying the holiday. According to Troy University economics professor Dr. John Dove, inflation is one reason Halloween products cost more.

“When inflation rises, that means that prices overall are rising,” Dove said. “When we see elevated inflation in the last couple of years, that will have an impact on prices for Halloween products.”

Seasonal demand also plays a role. As more people shop for Halloween products, businesses may face higher costs for the supplies and materials needed to make them, resulting in those expenses getting passed on to consumers.

“Eventually, no matter what, if inflation persists, they will have to pass increased prices on to consumers,” Dove said.

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At Troy University, those higher prices are already making a difference. Malory Magrath, assistant administrator for art and design, helps organize Malone Hall’s annual haunted house. She says supply costs have risen significantly since last year.

“The supplies that we do usually get cost us like $300 for like everything, and this year I said probably $800,” Magrath said.

To help manage expenses, organizers are looking for ways to reuse materials by borrowing props and costumes from the university’s theater program. Last year, ticket sales helped cover some of the costs. Lighting has been one of this year’s most expensive purchases.

“The most expensive thing that we have bought is the lighting because we put strobe lights in almost every room,” Magrath said. “Those are probably the most expensive because they’re like $20 a piece if not more, which doesn’t sound like a lot, but then we go and buy 10 of them.”

Students are also feeling the pinch when deciding how much to spend on Halloween costumes. Troy University student Jada Timmons says putting together a costume can quickly become expensive.

“The hard hat alone was $20, plus the outfit was another $30, so I’m thinking instead of going as a construction worker this year, going as myself because life is already scary,” Timmons said.

With the cost of costumes, decorations, and supplies adding up, students and campus organizations are finding ways to balance Halloween traditions with their budgets.