Ocean City on a Budget
Money-saving tips & cheap activities
What a day in Ocean City costs, built from its published beach badge and parking rates, with the budget places to stay in our directory.
Beach Badge: $10/day
Ocean City beach badges cost $10 per day or $35 for the season; children under 12 are free.
Badge prices
- Daily
- $10
- Weekly
- $20
- Season
- $35
- Under 12
- Free
Season $30 before June 1. Under 12 FREE. Military/Veterans FREE with ID.
Money-Saving Tips for Ocean City
Daily or season badge
At $10 a day, a season badge ($35) pays for itself by your 4th beach day.
Parking
9th Street Lot is the cheapest flat rate at $15/day (150 spaces, 3 min walk to the beach). Meters run from $2/hr, so a short visit beats a day rate. Paid parking runs May 1 – Oct 31 — it does not stop when beach badges do.
Save $0-20/dayPack a cooler
Bring food and drinks for the beach instead of buying on the boardwalk.
Compare weeknights
Hotel rates often differ between weeknights and weekends; price both before you pick dates.
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Budget-Friendly Places to Stay
Biscayne Suites
Check the selected suite’s cooking equipment and sleeping layout. The rooftop pool is seasonal.
The Scarborough Inn
Ocean City's boardwalk is a short walk away. Enjoy breakfast before a day at the beach.
Choose your stay
Check Ocean City staysCompare the full price and cancellation terms
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Sample Daily Budget
What a budget day in Ocean City really costs:
Parking in Ocean City
Typical Cost: $15-20/day
9th Street Lot is the cheapest flat rate at $15/day (150 spaces, 3 min walk to the beach). Meters run from $2/hr, so a short visit beats a day rate. Paid parking runs May 1 – Oct 31 — it does not stop when beach badges do.
Paid parking season: May 1 – Oct 31 — meters keep running after Labor Day, when beach badges stop. Source: ocnj.us/parking + Ocean City Code Ch. 8 (ecode360)
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Ocean City Budget Travel FAQ
Do I need a beach badge in Ocean City?
Ocean City beach badges cost $10 per day or $35 for the season; children under 12 are free.
How much does a day at Ocean City cost?
Our estimate is $83-155/person. The parking ($8-10) and beach badge ($10) figures come from Ocean City's published rates; lodging, food and activities are our general estimates.
Choose your stay
Choose a place in Ocean City, then check the room and full price for your dates.
Compare the full price and cancellation terms
Some links may earn us a commission. Learn more
Some links may earn us a commission. Learn more