Easter celebrations are becoming more expensive than ever, with holiday goods reaching record-high prices this year.
According to the National Retail Federation, the average consumer is expected to spend just under $196 on the holiday — a six-dollar increase from 2025.
The high Easter prices bring this year’s total holiday spending to an estimated $24 billion.
Mark Mathews, National Retail Federation chief economist and executive director of research, says families are starting to plan their holiday expenses.
“I think consumers have opted to make savings in other places,” he said. “So that they can spend at events like these because they are important.”
According to the latest Consumer Price Index, the cost of candy increased by 11% this year, while the cost of meat is now 8%. But not all Easter traditions have gone up in price; eggs have dropped by 42%.
Mathews recommends that families should be strategic about their holiday shopping. He says that signing up for loyalty programs and hunting for specific deals is a must, and making home-cooked meals rather than dining out could save money significantly without sacrificing the spirit of the holiday.
