Tackling this question is like tackling an NFL running back on a break-away run. But…. we’re never afraid of a good challenge, so here we go!
Let’s start with an honest approach. First, this Blog was prepared in 2024, so prices may change over time. Next, there are a lot of variables that can impact the overall cost of your next trip to Ocean City. For example: Where are you staying, what will you do while you’re here, how long will you stay, when are you planning on visiting, how often will you dine out, where will you dine, and how many people are in your party?
The truth is, everyone has different wants and needs when it comes to their Ocean City vacation.
For the purpose of this blog, and to ensure we’re giving you a good general idea of how much a vacation to Ocean City, MD costs, we’ll use rates for a full week vacation in the first week of August and use two-bedroom condos as a good “middle point.” Please keep in mind that a vacation can still be significantly more or less, but we did our best to give you a general idea.
And since you ‘lodging accommodations’ is most likely the largest portion of your vacations expense, we’re going to focus on that one particular item today.
Let’s take a look!
The Different areas in Ocean City
It’s important we understand that different areas in Ocean City are typically attached to different price points. In fact, this is typically the one factor that impacts lodging prices the most! A property’s location in Ocean City usually references how close that property is to the water. For example, a direct oceanfront 2-bedroom condo is likely going to cost more to rent than a 2-bedroom condo on the ocean-block. Just as a 2-bedroom condo with a bay-front view is going to be more expensive to rent than a 2-bedroom condo that sits directly on Coastal-Highway.
To give you a better understanding of the different areas in OC, let’s break it down into 5 main areas.
Those 5 areas are “Oceanfront,” “Oceanblock,” “Bayfront,” “Bayside Non-Water,” and “Bayside Canal.”
What exactly are each of these areas?
Oceanfront Vacation Rentals– This is just what it sounds like! These properties are in direct Oceanfront buildings… the closest you can get to the beach!
Oceanblock Vacation Rentals– Oceanblock properties are those that are on the eastern side of Coastal Highway but are not direct Oceanfront.
Bayfront Vacation Rentals– Once again, this is exactly what it sounds like! Bayfront means you are in a building or home that is directly on the Assawoman Bay!
Bayside Non-Water Vacation Rentals– Bayside Non-Water properties are those that are on the west side of Coastal Highway but are not on the water.
Bayside Canal Vacation Rentals– Bayside Canal properties are those that are on one of the Assawoman Bay’s canals that cut into the barrier island of Ocean City.
How much does an Oceanfront Vacation to Ocean City, MD Cost
Generally speaking, a vacation in a 2-bedroom condo in an Oceanfront building in the first week of August is going to run you between $2,500-$3,300 thousand dollars. This can vary depending on where you are in Ocean City. For example, if you’re on the boardwalk, this number will likely go up. If you love an Oceanfront view, or if you’re one of those people who comes to the beach and sits there for about 8 hours a day (we are too), we think it’s well worth it!
How much does an Oceanblock Vacation to Ocean City, MD cost?
An Oceanblock vacation in a 2-bedroom condo during the first week of August in Ocean City, MD will usually cost between $1,700-$2,300. As you can see, by being in an Oceanblock building, you are saving a decent amount of money. You’re still a short walk to the beach- but you aren’t paying quite as much of a premium! If you’re vacationing on a budget, but are still an avid beach goer, an Oceanblock vacation is the one for you.
How much does a Bayfront Vacation to Ocean City, MD Cost?
Renting a 2-bedroom vacation rental on the Bayfront of Ocean City, MD in the first week of August will run you somewhere between $2,300-$3,000. Yes, this is still a bit of a discount from being Oceanfront- but is still more than an Oceanblock vacation. If you’re someone who likes to enjoy the sunset, loves to fish, or maybe even bring your boat on vacation (if the dock/slip is included), than a Bayfront vacation is for you!
How much does a Bayside Canal Vacation to Ocean City, MD cost?
A week-long vacation during the first week of August in a Bayside Canal property will usually be priced somewhere in-between those on the direct bayfront, and those non-waterfront options found on the West side of Coastal Highway. And since these are typically also priced less than an oceanfront rental of the same size, these can be some great options for people who want a more affordable waterfront vacation rental.
How much does a Bayside Non-Water vacation to Ocean City, MD cost?
A Bayside Non-Water vacation to Ocean City, MD is arguably the best way to come to the beach and save money. For a week-long vacation- you can usually stay under or right around $2,000. We think that’s a pretty good deal for an entire weeks’ vacation!
While you may not have a stunning view, you are still just as close to all the attractions Ocean City has to offer, and you’re still right across the street from the beach! If you’re vacationing on a budget, and need to save some cash this year, a Bayside Non-Water vacation is the way to go!
How can you save money on your vacation to Ocean City, MD?
We get it- nowadays everyone is looking to save a few dollars wherever they can! So, before you come to Ocean City, here are a few clever ways to save money on your vacation.
Book Direct: We found that by booking direct at centraloc.com instead of VRBO, you can save up to 11%. If we’re talking about a $3,000 Oceanfront vacation, that’s over $300! You may be thinking to yourself- what’s the catch??? Well, there isn’t one! VRBO’s booking fees are solely responsible for this price increase.
Cook & Eat a few meals at home: Yes, we know that there are a number of amazing restaurants in OC. In fact, we all know it a bit too well. Us locals often find ourselves spending a bit too much money on food too! By grocery shopping on your way into town and cooking a few meals at home, you can save some serious cash!
Go check this blog we wrote to learn a few extra tips on how to save money on your OCMD vacation!
Vacation Rewards
We almost forgot to mention some of our awesome vacation rewards! We have awesome coupons and discounts to some of the most popular restaurants and attractions in all of Ocean City. Some of our coupons include FREE Greens Fees for some of the most premier golf courses in the area, vouchers to Seacrets, The Hobbit Restaurant, Fishers Popcorn, and so much more! For more info, check out the full list of our vacation rewards here!
Ready to book your vacation to Ocean City?
We hope you enjoyed this blog breaking down the rough cost of a vacation to Ocean City, MD!
If you’re thinking about booking that next vacation to Ocean City, head to our homepage at centraloc.com. If you have any questions, PLEASE do not hesitate to reach out. Our amazing local staff is here to help! We can be reached by email at info@centraloc.com or phone at (410) 723-4111.
Thanks for reading!
The Team at Central Reservations
Ocean City’s Vacation Rental Leaders
See you at the beach soon!