If you’ve ever sat in front of your Airbnb dashboard, scratching your head about what to charge per night, trust me, you’re not alone. I’ve been there too, staring at my calendar, wondering if I’m charging too much and scaring people off, or too little and leaving money on the table.
Pricing your vacation rental can feel like a guessing game at times, especially in a place like Atlantic City where demand can shift overnight. But once I started paying closer attention to the vacation rental pricing factors specific to Atlantic City, everything changed. I started booking more consistently, earning more during peak times, and finally felt like I was running my rental like a business. No more guessing. Just strategy that works.
So if you’re trying to figure out how to price your place in a way that actually works (and feels good), this post is for you.
Why Pricing Your Rental Is So Important
Let’s be real. Getting the price wrong is one of the quickest ways to feel like your rental is working against you. Too high? Your calendar stays empty. Too low? You’re booked solid but barely covering costs. It’s frustrating, I know.
But when your pricing is spot on, that’s when things really click. You start attracting the right guests, your bookings flow in naturally, and you feel like your rental is finally pulling its weight.
The good news is you don’t need to guess. There are real, actionable pricing factors in Atlantic City that can guide your decisions and help you maximize what you earn.
The Key Vacation Rental Pricing Factors in Atlantic City
Atlantic City isn’t just a beach destination. It’s a mashup of casinos, nightlife, summer crowds, concert-goers, and even families looking for a quick getaway. Because of that, pricing here isn’t one-size-fits-all. You’ve got to be flexible and responsive.
Here’s what I’ve learned makes the biggest difference.
1. Seasonal Demand and Local Events
Summer is peak season, no surprise there. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, the city is buzzing. If you’re not adjusting your prices for those months, you're probably leaving a chunk of cash on the table.
Then there are the special events:
The Atlantic City Airshow
- July 4th
- Casino-hosted concerts
- Big poker tournaments
- New Year’s Eve
- Valentine's Day getaways
- These events drive serious demand, and guests will pay premium prices for a well-located, well-presented space.
What I do: I check local event calendars every month and compare upcoming demand using tools like PriceLabs or AirDNA. This helps me stay one step ahead with my pricing.
2. Location Really Matters
The closer your place is to Atlantic City’s main attractions like the Boardwalk, casinos, and beach, the more you can typically charge. Simple as that.
But if your property is a little off the beaten path, don’t worry. That just means you need to price a bit more competitively and lean into your listing’s unique strengths. Maybe you offer more space, extra privacy, or something guests can’t find downtown like free parking or a backyard.
Real-life example:
One client's high-rise condo right near Tropicana books for $275 a night in the summer.
Another a few blocks inland, gets $225 a night. It has more space and a backyard, and targets families or groups looking for a quieter spot.
Different guests, different pricing. Both successful.
3. Type of Property and Amenities
What kind of experience does your place offer? Is it a cozy escape for couples or a big house ready to host birthday weekends?
People will pay more for comfort, style, and convenience. So take a look at what you’re offering:
Ocean views? Raise that rate.
- Hot tub or rooftop deck? Highlight it.
- Fast Wi-Fi, beach gear, snacks, and Netflix? These small touches can justify a higher price.
- I’ve found that even things like a washer and dryer or a small workspace can make a difference, especially for longer stays.
4. How Many Guests You Can Host
Atlantic City attracts groups. Friends hitting the casinos, families reuniting, wedding parties, you name it. If your space sleeps 6, 8, or even 10 comfortably, you can definitely earn more per night.
Just make sure the layout actually supports that many people. Quality beds, enough bathrooms, extra linens and towels all of that matters.
And consider adding a per-guest charge after a certain number. It’s a great way to boost earnings from larger groups without deterring smaller ones.
5. What Your Competitors Are Charging
This is something you absolutely cannot skip. You need to know what similar listings are charging, how booked they are, and what guests are saying in their reviews.
Here’s how I do it:
I search Airbnb for listings near me with similar size and amenities.
- I check their calendars for weekends and holidays.
- I note how far in advance they’re booked and what their nightly rate looks like.
- I also lean on data tools like AirDNA and Hostaway’s built-in Dynamic Pricing feature. Hostaway adjusts your prices automatically based on local demand, seasonality, and your own preferences. I’ve been using it for a while now and it’s saved me a ton of time, not to mention helping me avoid underpricing my busiest weekends.
See What the Top Earners Are Doing
Want to see what’s working at the top end of the market? Check out these top 5 highest-grossing Airbnb properties in Atlantic City. These listings are crushing it, and you can learn a lot just by seeing how they’re set up.
#1 - $245,000/year: Beachfront Mansion with Ocean Views
Giant beachfront home. Sleeps 16+. Modern finishes and perfect for large groups. A high-end setup that guests are happy to pay for.
#2 - $222,000/year: Stylish House with Rooftop Deck
Interior design is everything here. Bold décor, group-friendly layout, and standout amenities bring in big bookings.
#3 - $209,000/year: Spacious Group Retreat Near Boardwalk
Clean, functional, and big enough for group trips. It’s not flashy, but it delivers what guests want.
#4 - $177,000/year: Modern Townhouse Near the Casinos
Location is the star here. Walking distance to the action, plus sleek design and great reviews.
#5 - $160,000/year: Bright Beachside Home with Parking
This one nails the basics. Clean, bright, beachy, and super practical. It shows you don’t need luxury to do well, just good positioning and solid hosting.
These hosts are making serious money because they understand their guests and price their properties accordingly. It’s worth spending an afternoon browsing their listings and taking notes.
Mistakes I’ve Made So You Don’t Have To
Let me be totally honest. I’ve made more than a few pricing mistakes. Here are the big ones I’ve learned from:
I used the same price all year and missed out on summer profits.
- I forgot to raise rates for major holidays and underbooked.
- I didn’t include a cleaning fee for one-night stays. Not fun.
- I ignored what my competitors were doing because I assumed my place was better.
- Don’t fall into these traps. Even small adjustments can make a big difference in your bottom line.
Let’s Wrap It Up
Pricing your Airbnb in Atlantic City isn’t about finding the perfect number and sticking with it forever. It’s about staying aware, staying flexible, and knowing when to adjust based on the season, your competition, and your guests’ expectations.
Here’s what’s worked best for me:
Check the event calendar every month.
- Look at what similar listings are doing.
- Use pricing tools like Hostaway and AirDNA.
- Adjust for weekends and holidays.
- Revisit your strategy regularly.
- Most importantly, trust that you’ll get better over time. The more you learn, the easier it gets.
Want Help With Your Rental Pricing?
If you're still feeling unsure, you’re in good company. Scroll through the blog for more helpful tips. Thinking about investing in a new property? Our investment tools can help with that too.
Need a pricing checklist or calendar template? Just give me a shout. I’m always happy to help fellow hosts level up.