Halloween is one night a year when people can get creative with their outfits, but putting a costume together can cost more than expected. Between accessories, makeup and shipping fees, the final price can add up quickly. While making a costume at home might seem cheaper, buying supplies and individual pieces can sometimes cost just as much as purchasing a ready-made outfit.

Last year, I did both. I bought one costume and made a second one myself. At the time, there was a buy-one-get-one 50% off sale, which was a good deal for my friend and me. I ended up ordering a five-piece costume from Fashion Nova that included everything we both needed, so we essentially paid the price of one costume for two.

For my DIY costume, I ordered a handmade necklace inspired by a movie from Etsy for $30 with shipping. I also ordered shirts from Amazon for another $20. Although I put the rest of the look together at home, those two purchases alone cost $50.

This year, I found another sale and spent around $50 on two costumes, including shipping. Both costumes included everything I needed, so I won’t have to make any last-minute trips to buy additional pieces.

While browsing Spirit Halloween, I noticed that costumes can range upwards of $40, with some accessories sold separately. According to the company’s website, Spirit Halloween is the largest Halloween retailer in the country, with more than 1,500 seasonal locations across the United States. The company also shares a parent company with Spencer’s, which helps explain why shoppers may notice similarities between the two stores.

For people trying to save money, making a costume from scratch or putting together an outfit from clothes they already own can seem like the obvious choice. Thrift stores are another option for finding pieces without paying full retail prices. However, the cost depends on the look someone wants and what they already have at home. Someone creating a specific costume may need to buy clothing, props, makeup and accessories separately, and shipping fees can make online purchases even more expensive.

The cost of Halloween can also depend on what someone has planned for the night. For some, the costume might be the biggest expense, while for others it may be parties, event tickets, transportation or going out with friends. When those costs are added together, Halloween can become more expensive than expected. Finding an affordable costume can help, but it is only one part of budgeting for the holiday.

My experience shows that finding a good sale can make buying a complete costume the more affordable option. With Halloween expenses extending beyond the costume itself, planning ahead and setting a budget can help people enjoy the holiday without overspending. In the end, the cheapest option depends on what someone wants to wear, what they already own and the deals they can find.