New Jersey motel prices swing widely between the Shore and the rest of the state, and there is no reliable statewide average. In late October 2026, KAYAK’s motel pages showed two-week weeknight averages of about $87 in Atlantic City, $116 in Wildwood and $163 in Cape May, with July the priciest month in all three. Add New Jersey’s 6.625% sales tax and the State Occupancy Fee (5% in most places) to every room rate.
Quick Answer
A New Jersey motel night cost roughly $87 in Atlantic City, $116 in Wildwood and $163 in Cape May on KAYAK’s recent weeknight averages, and more on weekends and in July. Add 6.625% sales tax and the State Occupancy Fee (5% in most places) to the room rate.
New Jersey Motel Prices by Town
The figures below come from KAYAK’s motel pages for each town. KAYAK averages weeknight (Sunday to Thursday) and weekend (Friday and Saturday) prices over the last two weeks and shows monthly, daily and booking-window figures from the last 12 months of searches. They change often, and the pages sometimes contradict themselves, so use them as a guide rather than a quote.
| Town | Overall average | Weeknight / weekend (2 weeks) | Cheapest and priciest month | Booking window |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlantic City | $46 | $87 / $110 | December $53 / July $164 | 66 days ahead |
| Cape May | $343 | $163 / $279 | January $90 / July $440 | 88 days ahead |
| Wildwood | Not shown | $116 / $116 | January $93 / July $314 | 89 days ahead |
Cape May’s “overall” average ($343) is much higher than its two-week weeknight and weekend figures because it covers a different period that includes summer. Wildwood’s page showed the same $116 for weeknights and weekends, so check the exact dates you need.
What Changes Motel Prices in New Jersey?
- Season: Shore towns peak in July (about $164 in Atlantic City, $314 in Wildwood and $440 in Cape May on KAYAK’s monthly averages) and are far cheaper in winter.
- Day of the week: Friday or Saturday is the priciest day in Atlantic City and Cape May. Monday was cheapest in Cape May and Sunday in Atlantic City.
- Location: Casino, boardwalk and beachfront areas cost more than inland roadside motels near highways. Compare options near Route 1, Route 9 and major interstates if you are only passing through.
- Fees and policies: Parking, pet fees, deposits and cancellation terms can change the real cost.
Taxes and Fees on New Jersey Motel Rooms
New Jersey’s Division of Taxation lists a 6.625% sales tax on hotel and motel rooms. It also charges a State Occupancy Fee of 5%, reduced to 1% in Atlantic City, Elizabeth, Newark and Jersey City and to 3.15% in Wildwood, North Wildwood and Wildwood Crest. Municipalities can also enact their own occupancy tax, and some places have extra local charges.
In a place that charges the standard 5% fee and no local tax, a $100 room costs about $111.63 before parking and other fees (6.625% plus 5%). Check the final total for your town. Our hotel occupancy tax by state guide compares rules across the country.
When to Book a New Jersey Motel
KAYAK’s best-booking-window figures were 66 days ahead for Atlantic City, 88 days for Cape May and 89 days for Wildwood. Those come from past searches, not a promise for your dates. For July and August Shore weekends, book a refundable room early and recheck the price before the cancellation deadline. In winter and for inland stops, last-minute rooms are often available but never guaranteed.
Tips to Save on a New Jersey Motel
- Travel Sunday to Thursday when you can; weekends cost more in the Shore towns.
- Visit outside July and August. KAYAK’s cheapest months were December in Atlantic City and January in Cape May and Wildwood.
- Compare the total with tax and fees on two booking sites and the motel’s own site.
- Choose free cancellation when the price difference is small.
- Check recent reviews, parking and security-deposit rules before choosing the lowest rate.
Sample Budgets for Two Nights
This table multiplies KAYAK’s two-week averages by two nights, before taxes and fees. It is simple arithmetic, not a price quote.
| Town | 2 weeknights | 2 weekend nights |
|---|---|---|
| Atlantic City | $174 | $220 |
| Cape May | $326 | $558 |
| Wildwood | $232 | $232 |
Compare other New Jersey lodging: New Jersey hotel prices, New Jersey resort prices, New Jersey Airbnb prices, Atlantic City hotel prices and Cape May hotel prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average motel cost in New Jersey?
New Jersey has no reliable statewide motel average. In late October 2026, KAYAK showed two-week weeknight averages of about $87 in Atlantic City, $163 in Cape May and $116 in Wildwood. Rates are far higher in July at the Shore and lower in winter.
What taxes are added to a New Jersey motel room?
New Jersey charges a 6.625% sales tax and a State Occupancy Fee that is 5% in most places, 1% in Atlantic City, Elizabeth, Newark and Jersey City, and 3.15% in the Wildwoods. Some municipalities add their own occupancy tax, so check the final total.
When is the cheapest month to stay at a New Jersey motel?
KAYAK listed December as the cheapest month in Atlantic City and January in Cape May and Wildwood. July was the most expensive in all three towns.
Which New Jersey towns have the cheapest motels?
Atlantic City had the lowest KAYAK averages of the three Shore towns checked, but prices depend heavily on the date. Inland roadside motels near major highways can also cost less than beachfront rooms, so compare several areas for your dates.
How far ahead should I book a New Jersey motel?
There is no single rule. KAYAK showed best-booking windows from 66 to 89 days ahead for the Shore towns. For summer weekends, book a refundable room early and recheck the price before the cancellation deadline.
