Planning a party and need balloons filled fast? Helium balloon filling is available at dozens of retailers across the U.S. — from grocery chains to dollar stores — with prices starting as low as $1 per balloon. According to Balloon HQ, most stores will fill balloons you bring in yourself, which can cut costs significantly. Whether you're decorating for a birthday, wedding, or graduation, knowing where to go saves both time and money. You might also be surprised by the free services in your area that can stretch your party budget further. Let's get started!
Quick Answer
You can get balloons filled with helium at Party City, Walmart, Dollar Tree, grocery stores like Kroger, and craft stores like Michaels. Prices start around $1 per balloon. Most stores will fill balloons you bring yourself, saving money. Some locations may offer free filling with balloon purchases.
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Summary Table
| Item Name | Price Range | Best For | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kroger | $1–$16 | Budget grocery shoppers needing quick fills | Visit Site |
| Albertsons | $1.50–$7 | Last-minute balloon filling at the grocery store | Visit Site |
| Safeway | $1.50–$7 | West Coast shoppers needing convenient fills | Visit Site |
| Wegmans | $1–$8 | Northeast shoppers wanting full-service options | Visit Site |
| Dollar Tree | $1–$1.25 | Extreme budget party planning | Visit Site |
| Party City | $1.99–$15 | Large orders and specialty balloon decorating | Visit Site |
| CVS | $3–$8 | Quick foil balloon fills at a pharmacy | Visit Site |
| Dollar General | $1–$5 | Rural shoppers with limited nearby options | Visit Site |
| Walmart | $0.25–$5 | Low-cost fills while running errands | Visit Site |
| 1-800-Balloons | $20–$80+ | Delivered pre-filled balloon arrangements | Visit Site |
| AirTasker | $30–$100+ | On-demand balloon filling via local freelancers | Visit Site |
11 Places to Get Balloons Filled with Helium for Cheap in 2026
Below you'll find detailed information about each aspect, including important details and considerations.
1. Kroger
Kroger grocery stores offer helium balloon filling at most locations, making it a convenient stop while you're already shopping for party supplies. Many Kroger stores sell pre-filled balloons and will also fill balloons you bring in from home, typically for around $1–$2 per balloon.
What to know:
- Available at most full-service Kroger locations with a floral department
- Call ahead to confirm your local store offers the service
- Latex and foil balloons both accepted at most locations
2. Albertsons
Albertsons is another major grocery chain where you can get balloons filled with helium, usually through the store's floral department. The service is widely available and priced competitively, making it a practical option when you need helium inflation without visiting a specialty shop.
What to know:
- Floral department staff handle balloon inflation requests
- Pre-made balloon arrangements also available for purchase
- Availability varies by location — call ahead to confirm
3. Safeway
Safeway, which shares ownership with Albertsons, provides helium filling services at many of its locations through the floral department. It's a solid choice for last-minute party needs since Safeway stores are widespread and often open early or late.
What to know:
- Most locations with a floral section offer balloon inflation
- Foil mylar balloons are the most commonly filled type
- Pricing is comparable to other grocery store options (~$1–$2 per balloon)
4. Wegmans
Wegmans grocery stores offer helium balloon filling services at their floral departments, making them a convenient stop if you're already shopping for party supplies or food. Many locations stock a selection of foil and latex balloons, or they'll fill balloons you bring from home.
What to know:
- Filling fees typically range $1–$2 per balloon
- Service available during floral department hours
- Call ahead to confirm your location offers this service
5. Dollar Tree
Dollar Tree is one of the most affordable places to get balloons inflated with helium, offering both the balloons and filling service at budget-friendly prices. Most locations sell foil balloons in-store and will inflate them on the spot, making it a popular choice for low-cost celebrations.
What to know:
- Balloon filling costs around $1–$1.50 per balloon
- Foil balloons widely available in-store; latex filling may vary by location
- No appointment needed at most stores
6. Party City
Party City is one of the most well-known dedicated balloon retailers, offering professional helium filling for both purchased and customer-supplied balloons. Their staff regularly handles large orders, making them a reliable option for birthday parties, weddings, and events needing multiple filled balloons at once.
What to know:
- Filling fees start around $1.99 per latex balloon and $1.99–$3.99 per foil
- Online ordering with in-store pickup available
- Will fill balloons purchased elsewhere for a small fee
7. CVS
CVS pharmacy locations offer helium balloon filling as a convenient add-on service, making it easy to pick up a filled balloon alongside other party supplies or everyday errands. Availability varies by location, so call ahead to confirm your nearest store provides this service before visiting.
What to know:
- Typically fills standard latex and foil balloons
- Pricing is generally competitive with other retail options
- Best for last-minute needs given CVS's widespread locations
8. Dollar General
Some Dollar General stores sell pre-filled helium balloons or offer in-store filling, making it one of the more budget-friendly options for getting balloons inflated with helium. Stock and services vary significantly by location, so checking with your local store first is strongly recommended.
What to know:
- Often the lowest-cost option for basic foil balloons
- Limited balloon variety compared to party specialty stores
- Best for simple, single-balloon needs on a tight budget
9. Walmart
Walmart's in-store floral and party departments fill helium balloons at most locations, often for as little as $1–$2 per balloon, making it one of the most accessible and affordable spots to get balloons filled with helium. You can also purchase uninflated balloons in-store and have them filled on the spot.
What to know:
- Filling cost typically $1–$2 per standard balloon
- Wide balloon selection available in-store to fill same-day
- Most locations offer this service seven days a week
10. 1-800-Balloons
1-800-Balloons is a dedicated balloon delivery and helium filling service that ships pre-filled latex and foil balloons directly to your door. This makes it a practical option when you need helium-filled balloons without access to a local party store or prefer the convenience of home delivery. Orders typically arrive ready to float, saving setup time for events.
What you get:
- Pre-inflated balloons shipped in protective packaging
- Custom arrangements available for birthdays, weddings, and corporate events
- Nationwide delivery across the US
11. AirTasker
AirTasker is an on-demand services marketplace where you can hire a local freelancer to pick up, fill, and deliver helium balloons on your behalf — handy when you're too busy to visit a store yourself. Available primarily in Australia, it connects you with vetted taskers who handle the entire process, including sourcing a balloon filling location near you. Pricing varies by tasker but typically ranges from $20–$50 depending on quantity and travel distance.
Notable perks:
- Flexible scheduling including same-day tasks
- Review-based tasker profiles help you choose reliable help
Final Words
Your best bet depends on urgency, budget, and how many balloons you need filled — party stores suit last-minute runs, while wholesale clubs win on bulk pricing. Choose based on what matters most for your event.