How much does a one-week (7 days) trip to Ocean City cost?

A one week trip to Ocean City costs $1,372 per person on average. This information comes from the actual expenses of travelers and includes accommodation, food, local transportation, sightseeing, and other typical travel costs.

How much does a two-week (14 days) trip to Ocean City cost?

Two weeks in Ocean City costs $2,744 per person on average. This information comes from the actual expenses of travelers and includes accommodation, food, local transportation, sightseeing, and other typical travel costs.

How much does a one-month (4 weeks) trip to Ocean City cost?

One month in Ocean City costs $5,880 per person on average. This information comes from the actual expenses of travelers and includes accommodation, food, local transportation, sightseeing, and other typical travel costs.

How much do hotels cost in Ocean City?

The average daily cost per person, per day for Accommodation in Ocean City is $83

How much does transportation cost in Ocean City?

The average daily cost per person, per day for Transportation in Ocean City is $47

How much does food cost in Ocean City?

The average daily cost per person, per day for Food in Ocean City is $85

How much do alcoholic beverages cost in Ocean City?

The average daily cost per person, per day for Alcohol in Ocean City is $14

Ocean City Travel Cost - Average Price of a Vacation to Ocean City: Food & Meal Budget, Daily & Weekly Expenses

Q: How much does it cost to travel to Ocean City?

$196 is the average daily price for traveling in Ocean City. The average price of meals in Ocean City for one day is $85. The average price of local transportation in Ocean City for one day is $47. The average price of a hotel in Ocean City for a couple is $166.

Ocean City is a laid back city known for its miles of sandy beach, fun-filled activities, and thrilling water sports. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. This will help you plan the best trip to Ocean City and stay within your ideal travel budget, whether you're enjoying the nightlife or relaxing on the beaches.

How much does it cost to travel to Ocean City?

You should plan to spend around $196 per day on your vacation in Ocean City. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

$85 on meals
$47 on local transportation
$166 on hotels

A one week trip to Ocean City for two people costs, on average, $2,744. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

Travel Style:
Average Daily Cost Per person, per day

$196

One Week Per person

$1,372
2 Weeks Per person

$2,744
One Month Per person

$5,880
One Week For a couple

$2,744
2 Weeks For a couple

$5,488
One Month For a couple

$11,760

This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. .

How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Ocean City cost?

A one week trip to Ocean City usually costs around $1,372 for one person and $2,744 for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Ocean City on average costs around $2,744 for one person and $5,488 for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Ocean City will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Ocean City on average costs around $5,880 for one person and $11,760 for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.

Is Ocean City expensive to visit?

Ocean City is a well-liked city that lures countless visitors with differing travel preferences and spending habits. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.

If you're not cautious, Ocean City can become costly, but you can save with strategies like eating at less expensive restaurants and spending long days at the beach.

On average, budget travelers spend $85 per day, mid-range travelers spend $196 per day, and luxury travelers spend around $392 per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Ocean City.

Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Ocean City is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Grand Teton National Park or Santa Barbara.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Ocean City Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Ocean City?

The average Ocean City trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Ocean City travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Ocean City cost?

Ocean City on a Budget

Category	Budget	Mid-Range	Luxury
Accommodation ¹ For 1 person in double occupancy	$36	$83	$170
Local Transportation ¹	$21	$47	$90
Food ²	$37	$85	$169
Entertainment ¹	$8.08	$18	$35
Alcohol ²	$3-9	$7-20	$13-39

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

Having realistic expectations for your travel expenses is important. While many assume they can visit Ocean City on a tight budget, the truth is that most people don't enjoy traveling that way. Think about what you prioritize on vacation. Do you prefer staying in resorts or hostels? Do you love exploring sights and attractions, or dining out? Your preferences will directly impact your budget and travel plans.

The Truth on Budget Travel

You may believe you're traveling on a budget, but unless you're ready to give up some conveniences, you'll likely spend much more than the $85 daily average that backpackers get away with.

Younger budget travelers often stick to this low budget by staying in dorms, eating inexpensive meals, taking public transportation, and focusing on free activities and sights.

Do You Identify as an Average Traveler?

If you're a couple or a family traveling for fun, you'll likely want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at popular restaurants, and visit the major museums and attractions which have entry fees. Many visitors to Ocean City are keen to visit the prominent attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Most activities cost money, after all. Therefore, it's realistic to expect your actual daily budget to be closer to $196 per person, per day.

In Ocean City, you'll find a broad range of hotels and vacation rentals. If traveling with companions, you can share accommodations with a partner, friend, or your children, helping to cut costs. Families will want to look for hotels and restaurants that are kid-friendly. Dunes Manor Hotel & Dunes Suites is a fantastic option for families, and Grand Hotel Ocean City is also a great pick. Explore more family and couple-oriented hotels in our hotel guide for Ocean City here.

Seeking a Stylish Getaway from the Daily Routine?

If you're looking for an all encompassing trip with every amenity and a higher level of service, then prepare yourself for a price tag closer to $392 per day. To stay in a nicer hotel, eat at award winning restaurants, splurge on extravagant excursions, and take taxis or private drivers to get around the city, you'll need to be prepared for a more "luxury" set of prices.

Accommodation Budget in Ocean City

In Ocean City, hotel prices can swing drastically. Higher-end hotels offer more luxury, but come at a cost, especially in peak summer season when prices are higher. Off-season prices are more reasonable, averaging $169, but during peak season they jump to an average of $315. You can find budget options starting at $103 up to luxury rates at $536. Hostels are typically cheaper, especially dorms. Book early and avoid peak season to save money.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in Ocean City for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $166. For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $83 per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

Accommodation¹ Hotel or hostel for one person

$83
Accommodation¹ Typical double-occupancy room

$166

Hotels in Ocean City

Looking for a hotel in Ocean City? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

The most affordable highest rated hotels in Ocean City include:

Hilton Suites Ocean City Oceanfront starting at $203
Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Ocean City starting at $120
Hyatt Place Ocean City Oceanfront starting at $97
Dunes Manor Hotel & Dunes Suites starting at $149
DoubleTree by Hilton Ocean City Oceanfront starting at $105

Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Ocean City

As a family-friendly city, Ocean City is perfect for traveling with kids, so you may want to find an apartment with more room.

This city provides numerous resorts to consider. You might find one that includes meals or at least breakfast, and many feature onsite dining options.

If you're spending up to a week in Ocean City, getting a vacation rental with a kitchen could help you save money by letting you prepare some of your own meals.

Choosing to travel in the shoulder or low season and avoiding summer will help you save on lodging costs and escape the tourist rush.

Recommended Properties

Transportation Budget in Ocean City

Unfortunately, Ocean City does not have a reliable public transit network. There are boardwalk trams as well as shuttle buses, but most people have their own vehicle, and its recommended you have a private car to get around.

It's unfortunate that most of the city isn't very walkable. If you stay at an oceanfront hotel or on the ocean block, it's possible to walk to the beach. If you stay further back, you'll have to cross the Coastal Highway, which is eight lanes of busy traffic.

Public Transit: (moderate)
Walkability: (moderate)

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

On average, past travelers have spent $47 per person, per day, on local transportation in Ocean City. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Ocean City is significantly more than public transportation.
Transportation¹ Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.

$47

Transportation Tips

If you're driving, it's essential to check if your hotel offers convenient parking.

Flights to Ocean City

How much does it cost to go to Ocean City? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in Ocean City

The price of renting a car in Ocean City will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.

Food Budget in Ocean City

Food in Ocean City is pretty good, but you'll need to do some research to find the most popular restaurants. Keep an eye out for a few fantastic spots in the city. Themed restaurants are popular in the area. You'll also find all-you-can-eat seafood buffets and casual diners with pancakes and waffles. Pizza, burgers, and other fast food options are also abundant.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

While restaurant and meal prices in Ocean City can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Ocean City is $85 per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
Food² Meals for one day

$85

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Ocean City is around $85 ($85) per person, with previous travelers spending from $37 to $169. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Typical meal prices in Ocean City are as follows:

Breakfast: $8 to $25
Lunch: $13 to $34
Dinner: $25 to $59
Coffee: $7
Fast Food or Street Food: $13

For food, the boardwalk of Ocean City is a hot spot. From salt water taffy, cotton candy, fudge, and ice cream to pizza, burgers, barbeque, and sandwiches, the options available at the boardwalk have been consistently rated at the top. There are even a few restaurants that serve anything from spicy steamed crabs to thick sizzling steaks. Being a coastal city of Maryland, visitors and locals indulge in the seafood caught fresh offshore. A long-time favorite is of course the world-renowned Chesapeake Bay crab cakes, seasoned with Old Bay. Some of the top restaurants as rated on TripAdvisor include Thrasher's French Fries, Fisher's Popcorn, The Shark on the Harbor, and Liquid Assetts. Hooked, Sunset Grill, and Crabcake Factory are a few other favorites.

Food & Dining Tips

Traveling with children? Look for dining spots that have a children's menu. This can lead to significant savings since those meals are often more budget-friendly. Some restaurants might not list these options, so it's wise to ask your waiter before you decide what to order.

Several hotels include breakfast with your stay, while others charge separately for it. The cost and quality can vary significantly depending on the hotel. Knowing this in advance can guide your budget decisions. It could be worth it for the tasty buffet available at the hotel, or you may wish to find a cheaper option at a local bakery or cafe.

Carry a reusable water bottle instead of buying drinks everywhere you go. It's good for the earth, too.

If you're considering a tour, double-check which meals are included in the package. There may be instances where you'll have to pay for your own meals, potentially stretching your budget.

Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Ocean City

Tourists are naturally attracted to Ocean City due to its family-friendly activities, nightlife, resorts, and beaches.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Ocean City typically cost an average of $18 per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
Entertainment¹ Entrance tickets, shows, etc.

$18

Primarily a vacation destination, Ocean City's best sights are the beach and boardwalk. The beaches are beautifully kept and stretch for about 10 miles. They are free and open to the public (the way beaches should be!) from 6am-10pm daily. A family friendly environment, the beaches occasionally host free activities like concerts and movies. After a long day of swimming, sunning, and building sand castles, the best way to spend the evening is exploring the boardwalk. With an endless variety of stores, sweet shops, arcades, and amusements, Ocean City's boardwalk has been ranked amongst the best in America by the Travel Channel itself. It has also has been consistently rated as one of the "best boardwalks for food" in USA Today, and was rated one of the Top Ten Boardwalks to Visit in the US by National Geographic. Stretching for about 2.5 miles, the boardwalk ends with two amusement parks that are very popular with visitors, Jolly Roger at the Pier and Trimpet's Rides.

While the beach, boardwalk, and amusement parks are the main attractions of Ocean City, there is so much more for those looking to go the extra mile.

In regards to outdoor activities, many take advantage of the waterfront location with water sports like surfing, fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. There are even establishments catering to those who wish to have a more thrilling experience with activities like parasailing or jet skiing. In regards to fishing, Ocean City has a long history, both commercial and recreational. The town bills itself as the "White Marlin Capital of the World," even hosting an annual tournament called the White Marlin Open. Held in early August, prize money for the largest White Marlin, Blue Marlin, and Tuna can reach up to 1 million dollars.

For the history buffs, Ocean City is home to many historical landmarks, like the Atlantic Hotel mentioned earlier. Though it was rebuilt in 1926 due to fire, the place exists as one of the oldest and most historic hotels in the city. There is also a 2.5 ton anchor on display at the boardwalk, recovered from the Sailboat Wreck in 1870 by the commercial clam vessel Star Light. The Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum is another historical site. Built in 1891 as a part of the coastal system, it was important for the saving of vessels and lives in distress. Today the museum houses interesting exhibits on the history of ocean life, nature, and life-saving services.

Sightseeing Tips

Beaches:
People love to travel to Ocean City for a relaxing beach experience. There are ten miles of sandy beach that are lined with hotels and resorts. A festive boardwalk runs along the coastline and has many rides, arcades, restaurants, and more. The beach offers waves and warm water during the summer months.

Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Ocean City. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:

Ocean City, MD: Ocean Parasailing Adventure for $132 details
Private Party Sunset Cruise for $185 details
Ocean City, MD: Coastal Speedboat Tour with Dolphin Spotting for $28 details

Recommended Activities

Nightlife Budget in Ocean City

Active and entertaining, the nightlife in Ocean City is a hit with visitors who love spending time at local bars, clubs, and parties. Happy hours are popular at the bars in the area. You'll also find live music and DJ led parties. Head to the boardwalk, which will overwhelm your senses. There are neon lights, colorful rides, and arcades filled with people and activities.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average person spends about $14 on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Ocean City per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
Alcohol² Drinks for one day

$14

Nightlife Tips

While nightlife is a key part of many trips, scaling back on drinks can help free up some extra cash in your budget.

Nighttime outings can be fun, but make sure to stay aware of your environment, especially if you've been drinking. Pickpockets or worse could take advantage, so stick to trusted company.

Budgeting and Travel Tips for Ocean City

During summer, the city experiences higher prices and larger crowds. To keep your expenses down and enjoy a calmer visit, consider traveling during the shoulder or low seasons instead.
Given its size, Ocean City provides a broad spectrum of prices for everything from lodging to meals and activities. Shopping around, booking in advance, and finding free options can help you stretch your budget.
Traveling at a slower pace can help you save money and truly appreciate the beauty around you. Overloading your itinerary with activities can lead to excessive spending. However, taking it easy and enjoying the moment usually results in a lighter wallet.

Budgeting Challenges

Public transportation is quite scarce in Ocean City. It may be beneficial to rent a car or arrange a form of transport in advance, like a tour. Keep in mind that this could impact your budget in other ways.
Ocean City isn't known for its hostels, so if you're banking on finding a cheap dorm, it might be time to adjust your travel plans. A budget hotel or apartment rental could work better for you.

Traveling in Ocean City

Ocean City, Maryland

One of the most popular vacation areas of the U.S. east coast, Ocean City is a long-time resort town, taking roots as a getaway when the first beach-front cottage was built in 1869. The destination sits on a strip of land between the Atlantic Ocean and the Isle of Wight Bay. The Atlantic Hotel was the first major hotel, built in 1875 and still in business today. It has been family owned and operated since Charles W. Purnell bought it in 1923.

Though the area suffered a hurricane in the 1930s and the original pier was destroyed by fire in 1994, the setbacks did little to hinder the city's growth. Today Ocean City flourishes as a resort town thriving with hotels, motels, apartment houses, shopping centers, residential communities, and condominiums. The southern tip houses the Ocean City Boardwalk, which serves as the main shopping district and entertainment area of the town with amusement parks and carnival goodies. Ocean city is a favorite vacation getaway and really comes to life in the summer months, attracting up to 8 million visitors annually.

Neighborhoods & Around

Ocean City is first and foremost a resort town. Coastal Highway 528 stretches as the main route through the city, with many side streets on either side, residential to the east and resort to the west along the Atlantic beaches. The boardwalk stretches from the southernmost part of the city up to 27th street, and is the commercial and entertainment district of the area with many amusements, shopping, sweet snacks, and carnival food. The rest of the oceanfront which stretches to the north is lined with hotels and condominiums for easy access to the town's beaches. Also located along the main highway are restaurants, movie theaters, hotels, shopping centers, bars, and mini golf.

Travel Budget for Ocean City Visit Ocean City on a Budget or Travel in Style

How much does it cost to travel to Ocean City?