Is Ocean City good for a budget vacation?

Ocean City can be done on a budget with some planning. Visit midweek, pack your own food, and skip the badge by going early or late.

How much does a day at Ocean City cost?

A budget day trip to Ocean City can cost as little as $50-75 per person including gas, food, and activities. Overnight stays add $80-150 for budget accommodations.

Are there free things to do in Ocean City?

Absolutely! The beach itself, boardwalk walking, sunrise/sunset watching, and exploring the town are all free. Many towns also have free concerts and events in summer.

What's the cheapest time to visit Ocean City?

September offers the best value - warm water, fewer crowds, and prices drop 30-40% after Labor Day. Weekdays are always cheaper than weekends.

Ocean City on a Budget

Money-saving tips & cheap activities

$10/dayBeach Badge

$85-160/personDaily Budget

💰💰💰○○Budget Score

Planning a Ocean City trip on a budget? While not the cheapest shore town, smart planning can make Ocean City affordable. Here's how to enjoy everything this destination offers while keeping costs down.

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Beach Badge: $10/day

Hit the beach before 9 AM or after 5 PM to skip the badge fee.

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Money-Saving Tips for Ocean City

Skip the Badge

Hit the beach before 9 AM or after 5 PM when badges aren't checked

Save $8-12/person/day

Park Smart

Arrive before 9 AM for free street parking a few blocks from the beach

Save $15-25/day

Pack a Cooler

Bring your own food and drinks instead of buying on the boardwalk

Save $30-50/day

Visit Midweek

Hotels are 30-50% cheaper Monday-Thursday vs weekends

Save $50-150/night

Go in September

Warm water, empty beaches, and lower prices after Labor Day

Save 30-40% overall

Budget-Friendly Places to Stay

Average budget rate in Ocean City: $80-150/night

Biscayne Suites

$150-350/night

Ocean City is dry (no alcohol sales), so bring your own for BYOB restaurants. The boardwalk is one of the best.

The Scarborough Inn

$150-300/night

Ocean City's boardwalk is one of the best for families. Enjoy breakfast before a day at the beach.

Holiday Inn Express Ocean City

$150-325/night

Ocean City is dry (no alcohol), so stop at a liquor store before arriving. The boardwalk is excellent for families.

Courtyard by Marriott Ocean City

$175-400/night

Book an ocean view room - the sunrise is spectacular. Walk to the boardwalk in 5 minutes.

Free Things to Do in Ocean City

FREE

Beach & Swimming

Enjoy Ocean City's beaches - the main attraction is free (or nearly free)

FREE

Boardwalk Walking

Stroll the boardwalk for people watching and ocean views

FREE

Sunrise & Sunset

Watch spectacular sunrises over the ocean and sunsets over the bay

Sample Daily Budget

What a budget day in Ocean City really costs:

Accommodation (per person)$40-75/person

Food & Drinks$25-40/person

Activities$0-20/person

Parking$10-15

Beach Badges$0-12

Daily Total$85-160/person

Cheap Eats Tips

•Pack a cooler with sandwiches and drinks
•Hit the local Wawa for affordable breakfast
•Share boardwalk portions - they're huge
•Look for early bird dinner specials

Bringing your own food saves $30-50/day per person vs eating out.

Parking in Ocean City

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Typical Cost: $15-25/day

Arrive before 9 AM for free street parking a few blocks back from the beach.

Ocean City Budget Travel FAQ

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Other Budget-Friendly Shore Towns

Wildwood on a Budget Wildwood Crest on a Budget North Wildwood on a Budget Atlantic City on a Budget

Ocean City Complete Guide