Jersey shore trips are 11% more expensive in 2026, researchers say

Added: 2026-05-23

[00:00:00]I got a little cooler up front, couple bags with blankets and towels.

[00:00:04]>> Federal Affinity Credit Union, which does research annually on beach trips, says the cost of everything that makes up the quintessential Jersey Shore experience is increasing this summer.

[00:00:14]That includes parking and gas, both up by more than 50%. I go to Costco to get gas, so it's a little bit cheaper, but it was still like easily like 60 bucks to fill up a tank. When I remember back in October, it was like in the 20s, maybe. Something that people don't really consider is using public transit.

[00:00:29]Um we actually do have a a train line in New Jersey that goes right down the shore. Grant Gallagher says their research finds the price of beach tags, drinks, and food rising, too. A slice of pizza costing 28% more this summer. But the most significant increase, Gallagher says, summer rentals up by almost 53%.

[00:00:49]>> If you can plan a shorter stay, if you can plan a few day trips instead of having to rent, um or if you really do want to rent, if you plan to stay a little bit further off from the shoreline, uh costs typically do go down a little bit.

[00:01:05]>> is a necessity this summer.

[00:01:06]>> Definitely, for sure. Gallagher says another way to save with the high cost of rentals, perhaps taking more day trips, not just to the Jersey Shore, but also river and lake communities.