Cost of Living in Ocean City, NJ
Population 11,260 · New Jersey · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing in Ocean City sits 136% above the national median — $719,000 for the typical home — but median household incomes near $101,782 (36% above the US figure) soften the blow that similar pricing creates in lower-wage metros.
Ocean City is about 60 miles southeast of Philadelphia, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 209% higher than Philadelphia's $232,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Ocean City
The median home value in Ocean City is $719,100 — 136% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,670/month, 27% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $101,782/year is 36% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.0%, below the national average of 4.8%. New Jersey's top state income tax rate is 10.8% and the combined sales tax is 6.6%. The climate averages highs of 60.9°F and lows of 50.1°F. Overall, Ocean City has a cost of living index of 192 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 92% more expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 42 | 43 | 48 | 57 | 66 | 75 | 80 | 79 | 74 | 65 | 55 | 47 |
| Low °F | 30 | 31 | 37 | 46 | 55 | 65 | 71 | 70 | 65 | 54 | 43 | 35 |
| Precip" | 3.09 | 3.27 | 4.27 | 3.36 | 3.10 | 3.23 | 3.75 | 4.13 | 3.56 | 4.25 | 3.44 | 4.17 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Ocean City, NJ?
Ocean City has a cost index of 192 (100 = national average). It is 92% above the national average.
What is average rent in Ocean City, NJ?
The median gross rent in Ocean City is $1,670 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Ocean City?
The median home value in Ocean City is $719,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Ocean City?
The median household income in Ocean City is $101,782 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Ocean City, NJ?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Ocean City is 6.6%. The New Jersey state income tax top rate is 10.8%.
Is Ocean City, NJ affordable?
Ocean City is above average in cost of living, with an index of 192 — about 92% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Ocean City?
Ocean City has average high temperatures of 60.9°F and average lows of 50.1°F. Annual precipitation is 43.6". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Ocean City at a Glance
- Population
- 11,260
- Median Income
- $101,782
- Home Value
- $719,100
- Median Rent
- $1,670/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.0%
- Avg High Temp
- 60.9°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.6%
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Explore county-level cost of living data
New Jersey Rankings
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