BASKING RIDGE, N.J.-- May 19, 2025 – The average price of a Jersey Shore vacation in 2025 saw the first significant decrease in costs since the pandemic, according to research from Affinity Federal Credit Union (“Affinity”). Prices decreased an average of 5%, a reversal of the three years of price increases in the annual vacation index, which has been tracked by Affinity since the 2022 summer season.

Collected in spring 2025, the data revealed flat or decreased prices across various categories related to a memorable shore experience. Food and drink saw no change, while leisure activities, including mini-golf, aquarium admission and a sunset cruise, had a 8.59% decrease. Beach services, such as tags, sunblock, and chair and umbrella rentals, also decreased by 5.33%, mirroring travel costs, which fell 6.49%, a striking change from last year’s 11.58% increase. The survey’s full findings can be found on the https://www.affinityfcu.com/day-at-the-shore.

“Vacationers have been feeling the squeeze of inflation for years, so it’s a pleasant surprise to see costs on the decline,” said Grant Gallagher, Director, Financial Wellbeing and Brand Communications at Affinity. “We’ve observed significant price hikes from businesses for both goods and services in the past three years, and the reversal could mean businesses are trying to attract consumers that might have been feeling priced out of their annual shore trip. We will continue to keep a close eye on price fluctuations, particularly as the economic climate responds to ongoing discourse around tariffs."

New this year, Affinity additionally reviewed how the cost of beach rental properties was changing and noted that these were still very much on the rise. Vacation rentals ballooned 43% over the past two summers, as rental owners are likely to meet the rising costs of property values and insurance. Despite rising prices for an overnight stay, the New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism expects extended-stay visits to the state to grow to 53 million, and combined travel to the state to hit 126.4 million and driving an estimated $52.3 billion in spending.

Vacation-specific price declines provide a welcome relief for families, but there is still increased pressure on family finances across the board. As such, families may still be seeking ways to cut costs and maximize their vacations through advanced planning and best practices. Affinity offers multiple resources to help budget, save and even hack your travel through spending strategies. Visit the wellbeing resources, Wellbeing and Your Wallet Podcast, and other resources on the Affinity website.

“Affinity is on a mission to improve the wellbeing of our members and larger communities that we serve. Taking a break and enjoying a day at the shore is likely a part of many families’ traditions and we want to help families make those memories,” said Kevin Brauer, President & CEO of Affinity. “Lowering prices will hopefully offer some relief for families who have continued to be pressed by rising costs in the past few years.”

This research was conducted via a May 2025 survey of New Jersey shore town businesses and compared to products and services surveyed in summer 2024. Businesses or goods included in the research are not endorsed by our members of Affinity Federal Credit Union.

About Affinity Federal Credit Union

Affinity Federal Credit Union is a full-service financial institution, member-owned and community-focused, with a mission to nurture your financial wellbeing. With more than 20 branches across the tri-state area, Affinity is the largest credit union headquartered in the state of New Jersey, proudly ranking in the top 2% of all credit unions in terms of asset size.¹ The Affinity difference is about people helping people on a deeper level and understanding what YOU need to make your unique dreams a reality. For more information, please visit www.affinityfcu.com.

Media Contact
Kara Lester
Gregory FCA for Affinity Federal Credit Union
Affinity@GregoryFCA.com