Cheapest Balloons in NYC: Dollar Stores & Wholesale Hacks

For single balloons or small bunches, NYC's dollar stores are unbeatable. For parties/events, wholesale changes the math.

Retail: Dollar Stores (Best for 1–10 Balloons)

• Dollar Tree — 50+ NYC locations. $1.25 per uninflated latex balloon (11–12"). Mylar/foil: $1.25–$3. Helium fill: ~$1/balloon (if they offer).
• 99 Cent City / Everything's a Dollar — Independent chains, similar pricing.
• Family Dollar / Dollar General — Fewer Manhattan locations, more outer boroughs.

Party Stores (Better Selection, Higher Price)

• Party City — 5 boroughs. Latex: $0.50–$1.50 each (bulk packs $10–15/50). Mylar: $4–$10. Helium fill: $1–$2/balloon.
• Card Factory, Ricky's, local party shops — Comparable.

Wholesale (Best for 50+ Balloons / Events)

• Balloon Depot (Queens) — Pro supplier, wholesale to public. 100 ct latex ~$15.
• Mayflower Distributing (Brooklyn) — Balloon pros' source.
• Amazon / Uline / Oriental Trading — Bulk cases delivered. Qualatex, Betallatex, Tuf-Tex brands.
• Restaurant Depot / Costco / BJ's — Membership required. Party packs.

Pro Tips

• Buy uninflated; rent helium tank ($40–60/day for 50–100 balloons) vs. per-balloon fill
• Latex lasts 8–12 hrs helium; Mylar 3–7 days. Hi-Float extends 2–5x.
• Chinatown (Canal St) & Midtown (28th St flower district) have wholesale florist suppliers selling balloons cash-and-carry.