ROSEBURG, Ore. -- Aside from Christmas, Halloween is one of the biggest events of the year.  Consumers are spending that hard earned pay check and for some, it comes at a frightening cost.

According to the National Retail Federation's 2009 halloween consumer survey, shoppers are spending fifteen percent less this year, compared to 2008.

"You know the cutbacks with the money coming in, just keeps you from spending extra stuff when you just got to meet your bills," said one concerned customer Jan Venable.

Maryanne Ropola manages a Halloween Spirit and explained despite the economy, their sales have actually been fairly consistent. 

"We have really varying prices in the store so they can be as frugle as they choose or as extravagent as they choose, we have lots of oppotions for people who are working on a budget."

Many shoppers told KPIC, this year they plan on re-using costumes from previous years, and just trying to be creative.

Gardner Chappell said this year, he's making his own. "Just look for different parts, different pieces, try to create something kinda different...not just buy a kit, but the whole costume."

For casino cocktail server Deanna Bricken her extra holiday spending relies on the tips she makes. And as of late, they're been bleak.

"I'm trying to think of a costume that I can use a bunch of stuff that I already have and just get accessories to make a costume."

Young adults who are often the big Halloween spenders are also cutting back. According to National Retail Federation, last year the average 18-24 year old adult spent over $86 on Halloween. This year their spending has decreased nearly twenty percent.

"Say you're a cowboy or something," explained Jan's son, Richard Venable. "You got to buy the holsters, the the guns, the hat." He believes the additional accessories add up.

So while $50 may buy you that superhero costume. Many shoppers forget the makeup, boxing gloves, sickle and vampire teeth and all push the price tag over the top.

Wicked witches and terrifying zombies are all part of the Halloween fright fest at the Spirit of Halloween store in Roseburg.

But tricks aside, fictional characters like these don't even come close to matching the horror that comes with that Halloween costume price tag.