Cape May, New Jersey Short Term Rental Regulations
Navigate short-term rental regulations with ease! From coastal retreats to urban hubs, our in-depth guides break down the essentials for cities across the nation. Stay informed of changes to local Airbnb rules with our up-to-date insights and best practices.
Reviewed by Karolyn Hutson
Last updated August 23, 2023
Cape May Short-Term Rental Regulations
Information is maintained by the community to provide helpful insights and links to local regulations, HostScouts does not provide legal or investment advice.
Is something not quite right? Registered users can suggest changes to this guide.
-
Short Term City Rating5.4
-
Competition
4.9 -
Real Estate Cost
5.8 -
STR Regulations
N/A -
Seasonality
3.0 -
Rental Rates
8.0
Cape May, New Jersey Quick Stats
Short-term rentals have gained a lot of traction in the last few years. The trends and statistics of this sector are constantly changing, and having access to accurate data is essential for making sound investment decisions.
- Population
- 3,422
- STR License Required
- No
- Tourist Season
- County
- Cape May
- Airports
- Cape May Airport (WWD)
- Ocean City Municipal Airport (OAZ)
Want to learn more about Cape May?
Hostscouts has you covered. Our guides for this city cover topics that can help you research cities across the US quickly and easily.
Check out our Cape May rental analytics guide if you're interested in data on the Cape May rental market.
Review the popular activities that hosts include in their property positing in Cape May.
The most popular local and regional landmarks hosts usually include in their Airbnb or Vrbo property listings.
Explore nightly rates that hosts list their properties and the average fees for pets and additional guests.
What are the most popular property sizes for rent? Research whether a 1, 2, or 3 bedroom best fits Cape May guests.
Interested in other New Jersey cities?
Check out the New Jersey Airbnb rules directory
What makes Cape May a great place to invest?
- Victorian Charm and Architecture: Cape May is renowned for its beautifully preserved Victorian architecture, which provides a charming and picturesque backdrop for your visit. The city's historic district is home to over 600 well-maintained 19th-century buildings, including colorful bed and breakfasts, inns, and private homes. A stroll along the tree-lined streets or a guided trolley tour offers a unique opportunity to appreciate the intricate details and craftsmanship of these stunning structures.
- Pristine Beaches: Cape May boasts miles of clean, sandy beaches perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and relaxation. The tranquil waters of the Atlantic Ocean create a serene atmosphere for beachgoers, while the beach tags system helps to maintain the cleanliness and safety of the shoreline. Cape May's beaches are consistently ranked among the best in New Jersey, and they provide a perfect setting for a day of coastal enjoyment.
- Rich Maritime History: The Cape May Lighthouse, an iconic landmark dating back to 1859, offers breathtaking views of the coastline and the Delaware Bay from its summit. The surrounding Cape May Point State Park features nature trails, interpretive exhibits, and the opportunity to explore the area's maritime history. Additionally, the WWII Lookout Tower and the Museum of Cape May County provide fascinating insights into the region's nautical past.
- Outdoor Adventures: Cape May offers a wide variety of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy, from kayaking and paddleboarding to biking and hiking. The Cape May County Park & Zoo provides over 85 acres of lush parkland and a free, accredited zoo, perfect for a family outing. For those interested in marine life, embark on a whale and dolphin watching cruise or explore the undersea world with a snorkeling or scuba diving excursion.
- Culinary Delights and Wineries: Cape May is home to an array of exceptional dining options, ranging from cozy cafes to elegant fine dining establishments. Fresh seafood, farm-to-table fare, and international cuisine can be found throughout the city. Wine enthusiasts will appreciate the nearby Cape May Winery and Willow Creek Winery, where tastings, tours, and picturesque vineyard settings create a delightful experience for all visitors.
Cape May Nearby Cities
-
-
5 miles away
- Rating: 5.2
-
-
-
18 miles away
- Rating: 5.1
-
Local Real Estate
How expensive is the real estate in Cape May?
The cost of real estate can vary widely depending on the location, size, and features of the property, as well as market conditions. The median home value in Cape May has increased 9% over the past year, and the average price per square foot is $421, which is higher than the national average.
-
Median Sale Price
-
$500,876
9% YoY
-
Median per Square Foot
-
$421
5% YoY
Local Short-Term Rental News for Cape May
The most common terms hosts include in their listings for Cape May, New Jersey
Common terms for Cape May short term rental listings.
When potential guests are scrolling through listings on Airbnb, they’re looking for certain essential information to help them decide if your property is the right fit for their needs. As a host, ensuring that your listing includes all the relevant information that guests will be looking for is vital.
Some of the must-have elements of a property description include:
- Location: Guests will want to know where your property is located in relation to popular attractions, public transportation, and other points of interest.
- Amenities: What amenities does your property offer? Be sure to list all features guests can access, such as a pool, hot tub, parking, etc.
- Informative: The average listing in Cape May has a description approximately 1,396 words long. Make sure yours is long enough to describe your property but doesn't require your potential guest to read a novel.
After reviewing more than 3,247 listings in Cape May, we've consolidated the most common terms on the word cloud. The larger text represents a term that is used more often. The top ten mentioned terms are Beach, Cape, Block, Outdoor, Family, Deck, Wildwood, Pool, Boardwalk, and Perfect.
What are the most popular tourist activities in Cape May?
Whether renting a house, an apartment, or a room, you should include popular tourist activities in your posting. The most common choices mentioned on property listings in Cape May involve going to the Beach, Swimming, Boating, the Zoo, and Whale Watching. When you write your listing, have a section with recommended activities near the property to give your guests an idea of what is available.
-
Beach
-
Swimming
-
Boating
-
Zoo
-
Whale Watching
-
Water Parks
-
Surfing
-
Marina
-
Jet Skiing
-
Winery Tours
-
Cycling
-
Sailing
Local Attractions
What attractions do hosts highlight to guests?
There are quite a few popular attractions in Cape May, including Wildwood Boardwalk, Wildwoods Convention Center, Morey's Piers, Washington Street Mall, and Wildwood Beach. Below we've included the most popular local and regional landmarks hosts usually include in their Airbnb or Vrbo property listings. Many hosts like to show off lesser-known regional landmarks visitors might not have heard of.
-
Regional Landmark
-
Wildwood Boardwalk
Included on most listings
-
Regional Landmark
-
Wildwoods Convention Center
Included on most listings
-
Regional Landmark
-
Morey's Piers
Included on most listings
-
Regional Landmark
-
Wildwood Beach
Included on most listings
-
Regional Landmark
-
Raging Waters Water Park
Included on most listings
-
Regional Landmark
-
Sunset Beach
Included on 89% of listings
-
Local Landmark
-
Cape May Lighthouse
Included on 80% of listings
-
Regional Landmark
-
Montego Bay Waterpark
Included on 70% of listings
-
Regional Landmark
-
Cape May Beach
Included on 53% of listings
-
Regional Landmark
-
Splash Zone Water Park
Included on 52% of listings
-
Regional Landmark
-
Washington Street Mall
Included on 52% of listings
-
Regional Landmark
-
Cape May Winery
Included on 43% of listings
What’s the weather like in Cape May, New Jersey?
The weather is generally milder than the national average, with an average high temperature of around 63°, while the average low is about 49°. The rainfall is much heavier, averaging about 38 inches per year, compared to the national average of about 27 inches. Snowfall can be rather heavy, averaging less than 9 inches per year. The humidity levels in Cape May are generally lower than the national average, and the city has a mix of clouds and sunshine for most of the year.
Winter
December through February
32° Low 45° High
Spring
March through May
46° Low 61° High
Summer
June through August
67° Low 81° High
Fall
September through November
51° Low 66° High
Cities Near Cape May
Cape May, New Jersey, is located in Cape May County. Some cities that are located nearby include:
