Atlantic City Named Most Affordable Beach Town in the US

Looking to live near the beach at the Jersey Shore and not pay out the nose? You are in luck, one Jersey Shore town has just been named the most affordable beach town to live in the entire United States.

How Atlantic City Claimed the Number One Spot

House Beautiful, a popular interior decorating magazine, recently named the 20 most affordable beach towns in the US for 2026, with Atlantic City ranking No. 1 on the list with a typical home value of $215,336.

How did they land at the top of the list?  Per House Beautiful, Zillow analyzed data to spotlight 20 of the most budget-friendly coastal cities where buying a vacation home could be within reach.

Here is what House Beautiful had to say about Atlantic City

Atlantic City may be best known for its casinos, but the iconic boardwalk along the Atlantic Ocean is a close second. There's plenty to do in this shore town, from visiting the amusement park and eating fresh seafood to spreading out on the sand. Since you're so close to New York City, day trips from either location are extremely easy as well.

Beyond the Casinos: What Makes the City Attractive?

In addition to the casinos, they mentioned the iconic boardwalk, the Atlantic Ocean, Steel Pier, the food and restaurants, and the ability to take day trips to major cities like New York.

Exploring the Surrounding Absecon Island Communities

Located right on the coastline at the end of Absecon Island, there are plenty of great local spots to check out within a 15-20 minute drive of Atlantic City. Nearby island towns like Ventnor, Margate, and Brigantine are great places to dine and have a good time. There are plenty of options right off the island in places like Absecon, Pleasantville, Northfield, Linwood, and Somers Point.

So if you want to buy a place and live by the beach, Atlantic City looks like your cheapest option!