Ocean City, 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
Ocean City Short-Term Rental Regulations
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Short Term City Rating5.2
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Competition
6.6 -
Real Estate Cost
3.6 -
STR Regulations
N/A -
Seasonality
2.5 -
Rental Rates
8.1
Ocean City, 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
- 10,971
- STR License Required
- No
- Tourist Season
- County
- Cape May
- Airports
- Atlantic City International Airport (ACY)
- Ocean City Municipal Airport (OAZ)
Want to learn more about Ocean City?
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 Ocean City rental analytics guide if you're interested in data on the Ocean City rental market.
Review the popular activities that hosts include in their property positing in Ocean City.
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 Ocean City guests.
Interested in other New Jersey cities?
Check out the New Jersey Airbnb rules directory
What makes Ocean City a great place to invest?
- The Beautiful Beaches: Ocean City's pristine, family-friendly beaches stretch over 8 miles along the Atlantic coastline, offering visitors the perfect spot to relax, sunbathe, swim, or surf. With lifeguards on duty during the summer season, safety is a priority, making it an ideal destination for families and beach enthusiasts alike.
- The Famous Boardwalk: A visit to Ocean City is incomplete without strolling down its iconic 2.5-mile-long boardwalk. Lined with shops, eateries, and amusement parks, the boardwalk is a vibrant hub of entertainment and fun for visitors of all ages. Don't miss the chance to savor a delicious treat from the renowned Manco & Manco's Pizza or Shriver's Salt Water Taffy.
- Thrilling Amusement Parks: Gillian's Wonderland Pier and Playland's Castaway Cove are two of Ocean City's most popular amusement parks, featuring a variety of exhilarating rides, thrilling roller coasters, and fun-filled family attractions. Whether you're seeking heart-pounding excitement or a leisurely day out, these parks cater to everyone's taste.
- Outdoor Activities and Water Sports: With its abundant coastal setting, Ocean City offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including kayaking, paddleboarding, surfing, and fishing. For those looking to explore the picturesque back bays and marshes, guided eco-tours and boat rentals are also available, providing visitors with unforgettable experiences on the water.
- Cape May County Park & Zoo: Just a short drive from Ocean City, the Cape May County Park & Zoo is a must-visit destination for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. Home to over 550 animals representing more than 250 species, this free-admission zoo offers a day of fun and education for visitors of all ages. The surrounding park also features nature trails, picnic areas, and playgrounds for the whole family to enjoy.
- Vibrant Events and Festivals: Ocean City hosts numerous events and festivals throughout the year, celebrating arts, culture, and community spirit. Popular events such as the Night in Venice Boat Parade, the Ocean City Music Pier Summer Concert Series, and the Fall Block Party draw thousands of visitors, making Ocean City an exciting and lively destination for all.
Ocean City Nearby Cities
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6 miles away
- Rating: 5.5
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8 miles away
- Rating: 5.1
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Local Real Estate
How expensive is the real estate in Ocean City?
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 Ocean City has increased 11% over the past year, and the average price per square foot is $582, which is higher than the national average.
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Median Sale Price
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$820,278
11% YoY
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Median per Square Foot
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$582
2% YoY
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Average Monthly Rent
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$2,726
0% YoY
Local Short-Term Rental News for Ocean City
The most common terms hosts include in their listings for Ocean City, New Jersey
Common terms for Ocean City 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 Ocean City has a description approximately 1,373 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 1,319 listings in Ocean City, 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, Ocean City, Block, Boardwalk, Deck, Family, Beach tag, Car, Outdoor, and Perfect.
What are the most popular tourist activities in Ocean City?
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 Ocean City involve going to the Beach, Surfing, Water Parks, Swimming, and Boating. When you write your listing, have a section with recommended activities near the property to give your guests an idea of what is available.
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Beach
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Surfing
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Water Parks
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Swimming
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Boating
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Jet Skiing
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Adventure Activities
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Sailing
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Cycling
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Parasailing
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Water Skiing
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Casinos
Local Attractions
What attractions do hosts highlight to guests?
There are quite a few popular attractions in Ocean City, including Atlantic City Boardwalk, Ocean City Boardwalk, Tropicana Casino, Atlantic City Convention Center, and Atlantic City 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.
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Regional Landmark
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Margate City Beach
Included on 53% of listings
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Well Known Attraction
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Ocean City Beach
Included on 52% of listings
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Well Known Attraction
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Atlantic City Beach
Included on 52% of listings
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Well Known Attraction
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Tropicana Casino
Included on 50% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Quarter at Tropicana
Included on 50% of listings
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Well Known Attraction
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Atlantic City Boardwalk
Included on 50% of listings
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Well Known Attraction
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Boardwalk Hall
Included on 50% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Lucy the Elephant
Included on 50% of listings
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Well Known Attraction
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Atlantic City Convention Center
Included on 49% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Caesars Atlantic City Casino
Included on 49% of listings
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Well Known Attraction
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Ocean City Boardwalk
Included on 49% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Playland's Castaway Cove
Included on 49% of listings
What’s the weather like in Ocean City, 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 48°. The rainfall is much heavier, averaging about 39 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 Ocean City are generally muggier than the national average, and the city has a mix of clouds and sunshine for most of the year.
Winter
December through February
31° Low 45° High
Spring
March through May
45° Low 60° High
Summer
June through August
66° Low 81° High
Fall
September through November
50° Low 66° High
Cities Near Ocean City
Ocean City, New Jersey, is located in Cape May County. Some cities that are located nearby include:
