Jersey Shore vacation costs expected to rise this summer, survey finds
Travel costs saw the largest jump at 31.4%, driven largely by gas prices, according to the survey.
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A Jersey Shore vacation is expected to cost more this summer, according to research released by Affinity Federal Credit Union.
The credit union said prices rose an average of 11.29% year over year across categories tied to a typical shore trip. The increase follows a 5% decrease reported during the previous summer season.
Affinity said food and drink prices rose 6.74%, while leisure activities, including mini-golf, aquarium admission and a sunset cruise, increased 5.23%. Beach services, such as beach tags, sunblock and chair and umbrella rentals, rose 1.79%.
Travel costs saw the largest jump at 31.4%, driven largely by gas prices, according to the survey.
The credit union also found weeklong beach rental prices in Asbury Park, Point Pleasant and Seaside Heights rose 53% year over year.
“The Jersey Shore remains a meaningful and often non-negotiable part of summer for many of our members,” said Grant Gallagher, director of financial wellbeing and brand communications at Affinity.
The research was conducted through a May 2026 telephone survey of New Jersey shore town businesses and compared with products and services surveyed in spring 2025.
