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The Beach Cost Index

Where to swim without breaking the bank.

Methodology

Factual

Pure factual ranking: towns by their daily beach badge price (cheapest first = ranked #1). Towns with free beaches lead. Towns that don't sell beach badges or have no oceanfront access are excluded. Prices reflect adult daily-rate at 141 Miles' last data check. Always verify with the town on the day of your visit.

#1$6/day

Island Beach State Park

A protected barrier-island landscape south of Seaside Park, known for undeveloped beaches, dunes, surf fishing, birding, and bay-side access.

Visit Island Beach State Park

28 more towns ranked

  1. #2Long BranchA beachfront city shaped by both historic resort history and modern redevelopment.$6/day
  2. #3Asbury ParkOne of the cultural centers of the Jersey Shore, known for live music, nightlife, restaurants, and a year-round downtown scene.$7/day
  3. #4Harvey CedarsA small LBI borough with a residential, family-oriented atmosphere and limited commercial development.$7/day
  4. #5Stone HarborThe southern half of Seven Mile Island, known for beaches, a walkable shopping district, nature areas, and a quieter upscale atmosphere.$8/day
  5. #6AvalonThe northern half of Seven Mile Island, known for quiet beaches, high-end homes, polished retail, and a restrained resort atmosphere.$10/day
  6. #7Barnegat LightThe northernmost borough on Long Beach Island, known for Barnegat Lighthouse, the inlet, commercial fishing, and a quieter year-round feel than the busier parts of the island.$10/day
  7. #8Beach HavenA charming town on Long Beach Island, Beach Haven offers plenty to those who want family attractions combined with costal beauty.$10/day
  8. #9BrigantineMinutes form Atlantic City, but miles away in terms of pace, Brigantine is renowned for its chill vibes and sparsely packed beaches, an ideal destination for families and those looking for slower pace in Atlantic City.$10/day
  9. #10Cape MayThe Cape May area is sprawling, much befitting an area that shares a name with a County.$10/day
  10. #11Loch ArbourOne of New Jersey's smallest municipalities, tucked between Allenhurst and Deal Lake.$10/day
  11. #12Ocean CityA large family-oriented beach town known for its dry-town identity, long boardwalk, amusement piers, downtown shopping, and wide beaches.$10/day
  12. #13Sea BrightA narrow barrier-island town between the ocean and the Shrewsbury River, known for beach clubs, waterfront restaurants, and one of the most compact geographies on the Shore.$10/day
  13. #14Sea Isle CityA barrier-island town known for beaches, a concrete promenade, bayfront restaurants, fishing culture, and a lively summer bar scene.$10/day
  14. #15Ship BottomThe gateway town to Long Beach Island, where traffic from the Route 72 causeway first reaches the beach.$10/day
  15. #16Ortley BeachA Toms River beach community between Lavallette and Seaside Heights.$11/day
  16. #17Surf CityA central LBI borough with a balanced mix of residential blocks, small businesses, beach access, and casual restaurants.$11/day
  17. #18Sea GirtA residential beach borough known for its lighthouse, quiet beachfront, and limited commercial development.$12/day
  18. #19AllenhurstA compact residential borough with historic homes, quiet beach blocks, and a strong preservation-minded identity.$12/day
  19. #20BelmarA busy beach town built around the Shark River inlet, public beaches, fishing culture, and one of the stronger downtown bar and restaurant scenes in Monmouth County.$12/day
  20. #21DealA small, affluent beachfront borough north of Asbury Park known for large homes, private beach access, and a quiet residential atmosphere.$12/day
  21. #22LavalletteLavallette is a small town directly adjacent to Toms River and Seaside Heights, two larger towns that have much more hustle and bustle.$13/day
  22. #23Ocean GroveA historic seaside community founded as a Methodist camp meeting town in the late 19th century.$13/day
  23. #24Seaside HeightsIf you find yourself in Seaside Heights, you're probably looking to do one of a couple of things, depending on whether you have kids in tow or not.$13/day
  24. #25Seaside ParkIf you find yourself in Seaside Heights, you're probably looking to do one of a couple of things, depending on whether you have kids in tow or not.$13/day
  25. #26Bay HeadA quiet residential borough at the northern end of the Barnegat Peninsula, known for shingle-style homes, inns, a small commercial center, and a more restrained beach-town atmosphere.$15/day
  26. #27MantolokingA small, highly residential barrier-island borough between Bay Head and Brick Township.$15/day
  27. #28Monmouth BeachA primarily residential beach borough between Sea Bright and Long Branch, with a quieter pace centered around the ocean, river, and private beach clubs.$15/day
  28. #29Point Pleasant BeachPoint Pleasant Beach is the quintessential family-friendly anchor of the northern Jersey Shore, home to Jenkinson's, the family name now synonymous with the town's boardwalk empire.$18/day

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