Halloween sneaks up every year like that one friend who “forgets” their wallet at dinner. Suddenly, you’re two days away from the party, staring at overpriced costumes online, and thinking, Do I really want to spend $70 on a polyester cape I’ll wear once? Spoiler: you don’t.
Good news—you don’t need to. Matching Halloween costumes don’t have to drain your wallet or your sanity. Whether you’re dressing up with your partner, your bestie, or your entire friend group, I’ve rounded up 13 easy matching Halloween costumes you can recreate on a budget. And yes, these are actually doable with stuff you probably already own (or can thrift for cheap).
Ready? Let’s make Halloween fun and affordable.
1. Peanut Butter & Jelly
You can’t get more iconic (or easier) than this.
- Grab a tan or beige shirt for the “bread.”
- Use fabric paint, construction paper, or felt to make purple (jelly) and brown (peanut butter) blobs.
- Tape, pin, or hot glue them on.
Honestly, you can even just write “PB” on one shirt and “J” on the other if you’re feeling extra lazy. :)
Why it works: It’s instantly recognizable, super cheap, and a crowd-pleaser.
2. Mario & Luigi
Ever wanted an excuse to wear overalls and a fake mustache? Say no more.
- Blue overalls, red shirt (Mario) or green shirt (Luigi).
- Add a cap with an “M” or “L”—just use felt or even paper cutouts.
- Mustaches are optional but highly encouraged.
Budget tip: Skip the pricey costume shops. Grab cheap hats from a craft store and DIY the letters.
3. Netflix & Chill
Yes, it’s cheesy. But also hilarious if done right.
- One person wears a red shirt with “Netflix” written across it.
- The other rocks a comfy hoodie, sweatpants, and maybe a blanket. Boom: “Chill.”
Pro move: Carry popcorn or a remote for extra effect.
4. Ghostbusters
Who you gonna call? Definitely not Spirit Halloween for this one.
- Khaki pants and shirts (or any tan/neutral look).
- DIY a Ghostbusters logo with printed paper and tape it on.
- Make a “proton pack” using a backpack and random household items (spray-painted soda bottles work wonders).
Why it’s great: Works for couples or groups, and it’s all about creativity, not cash.
5. Vampire & Victim
A classic that never fails.
- Vampire: Black clothes, red lipstick, maybe some fake fangs (Dollar Store approved).
- Victim: Pale face makeup with “bite marks” drawn using eyeliner or lipstick.
- Bonus: Sprinkle some fake blood for drama.
Budget hack: Makeup does most of the heavy lifting here—no need for capes or theatrical props.
6. Cat & Dog
Because who doesn’t love a pet costume duo?
- Cat: Black outfit, eyeliner whiskers, and DIY cat ears (cardboard + headband = done).
- Dog: Brown/tan outfit, floppy paper or felt ears, and maybe a little tail.
Fun twist: Switch roles—you be the dog if you’re usually the “cat person.”
7. Skeletons
This one’s practically timeless.
- Wear black from head to toe.
- Use white tape or fabric paint to create bones.
- Pair it with skeleton makeup (YouTube tutorials are your best friend).
Why it rocks: Matching skeletons look spooky, but you can still dance all night without sweating in a mask.
8. Tourist Duo
Who doesn’t secretly want to look like an embarrassing dad on vacation?
- Hawaiian shirts, cargo shorts, and socks with sandals.
- Add props like cameras, binoculars, or maps.
- Bonus: Sunglasses worn indoors.
Budget tip: Thrift stores are basically tourist costume goldmines.
9. M&Ms
Sweet, simple, and oh-so-colorful.
- Pick a solid-colored T-shirt (red, blue, green, yellow, etc.).
- Add a big white “M” to the front using felt or paper.
- Wear matching pants if you’re feeling fancy, but jeans work fine too.
Why it’s perfect: Great for couples or friend groups—you can each pick your “flavor.”
10. Lifeguard & Beachgoer
Bring the summer vibes to Halloween night.
- Lifeguard: Red shorts, whistle, white T-shirt with “Lifeguard” written on it.
- Beachgoer: Bathing suit (over leggings if it’s cold), towel, sunglasses, and flip-flops.
Funny twist: Pretend the lifeguard keeps rescuing the other from random “dangers.”
11. Cowboy & Cowgirl
Yeehaw on a budget.
- Plaid shirt, jeans, boots if you’ve got ‘em.
- Cowboy hats (cheap from party stores or Amazon).
- Add a toy lasso or bandana for extra flair.
Why it works: Simple, comfy, and you can reuse the outfit after Halloween.
12. Devil & Angel
Yes, it’s cliché. But clichés exist for a reason.
- Angel: White outfit, DIY halo (headband + pipe cleaners).
- Devil: Red or black outfit, horns (craft them or buy $2 ones).
- Bonus: Play into the characters all night—be the sweet one or the mischievous one.
IMO, this one never gets old.
13. Zombies
Cheap, terrifying, and always in style.
- Tear up some old clothes.
- Smear on fake blood or red lipstick.
- Use black/gray eyeshadow to hollow out your eyes.
- Walk like you haven’t had coffee in 10 years.
Budget hack: The messier, the better. Nobody cares if it looks DIY—actually, that makes it scarier.
Extra Tips for Budget-Friendly Matching Costumes
Thrift Stores Are Your Best Friend
Why drop $$$ at a costume shop when Goodwill has everything you need? Shirts, hats, weird pants—you’ll find gold if you dig around.
Dollar Store Magic
Fake blood, cheap makeup, and random props are all there for under $5. Trust me, stock up.
DIY Over Buy
Hot glue, cardboard, and fabric paint will save you so much money. Plus, you’ll actually feel proud of your costume instead of thinking, Wow, I paid $60 for this itchy mess.
Conclusion
Halloween doesn’t have to be an expensive stress-fest. With a little creativity (and maybe some last-minute Dollar Store runs), you can pull off matching Halloween costumes that are fun, affordable, and unforgettable.
So whether you’re channeling Mario & Luigi, rocking a tourist look, or stumbling around as zombies, the point is to have fun. And hey, half the fun is laughing about how you pulled it off without draining your bank account.
Now tell me—what’s the cheapest but funniest Halloween costume you’ve ever pulled together? Because IMO, the ones you cobble together in a panic always end up being the most legendary. ;)