As someone who grew up in AC and now rents a 2-bedroom apartment outside the city center with my partner, I find the costs pretty manageable overall. Our rent is around $1,500, which is a bit high but the place is nice. Utilities like electric tend to be $150-200/month. Groceries aren’t too bad if you shop at places like Aldi – I’d say we spend $400-500/month for two people. Entertainment can add up quickly if you go out drinking/gambling a lot, but there are affordable options too like hitting the beach or the boardwalk. The biggest expense for us is healthcare as our jobs don’t have great insurance, so we probably spend $500+/month on premiums and out-of-pocket costs. Overall I’d say AC is moderately priced compared to other NJ/NY areas.

Coming from Brooklyn, the costs in Atlantic City seemed like a steal at first! My 1-bedroom apartment downtown is $1100 which is unheard of where I’m from. But a lot of other expenses add up quickly here. Groceries seem pricier than I expected, maybe $600/month for one person trying to eat relatively healthy food. Utilities run me $150-200. And I was shocked at how high car insurance and parking costs are. Entertainment is cheap though with lots of free/low-cost stuff on the boardwalk. Healthcare has also been very affordable through my job’s insurance. Overall I’d say AC is cheaper than NYC for housing but some other costs make up for that a bit.

With two working parents, a toddler in daycare, and a baby on the way, costs are really adding up for my family in AC! Our 3-bedroom apartment outside downtown is $1800 which is manageable split between our incomes. But daycare is our biggest expense at $1200/month and the new baby will mean more healthcare costs too. We probably spend $800-1000 on groceries/household items. Entertainment is limited with young kids but there are some affordable family activities. Transportation is high with two car payments, insurance, gas, etc. I’d say AC is relatively affordable compared to the NYC suburbs we moved from, but supporting a whole family HERE is still quite pricey!

I grew up poor in AC but have done really well for myself career-wise, so costs don’t seem too crazy to me now. My mortgage on a nice 3-bed condo downtown is around $2500 after putting 20% down. Groceries for my family of 4 run $1000+ since we eat out frequently too. Utilities are $300+. But we spend good money on entertainment – $200+ nights out at casinos/clubs, expensive seats for concerts/sports, etc. Healthcare is pricey too with $800+ monthly premiums through my job. It’s an expensive lifestyle but very doable with a solid income here compared to places like NYC or LA. AC has an affordable side but it’s easy to spend lavishly too.

My husband and I are living our retirement dreams in AC! We bought our little 2-bed condo just outside downtown for $250k a few years ago and only have $500/month mortgage and HOA fees now. Basic utilities are around $150. Groceries are $400-500 unless we’re splurging. Healthcare is our biggest monthly expense, between Medicare, supplemental insurance, and prescriptions probably $800. But we love being able to walk on the beach, check out free events, and eat out frequently without breaking the bank. Entertainment is so affordable here compared to our previous city life. Overall AC has been much cheaper for us as retirees!

Unfortunately the cost of living in AC is just way too high for someone like me trying to make it as an artist/musician. My rent for a tiny studio is $850 which is already a stretch. Basic groceries, utilities, transportation for my beater car, it all adds up to virtually my entire income from gig work and a low-wage job. Healthcare is impossible on that budget so I’m uninsured and just hoping I don’t get sick. Entertainment is simply unaffordable aside from busking on the boardwalk. I’ll probably have to move somewhere way more low-cost eventually to pursue my passions properly.

As someone born and raised in AC, I’ve definitely seen costs rise over the years but it’s still relatively affordable compared to a lot of places. My partner and I own a 3-bed rowhouse we bought a few years ago for $180k, so mortgage/taxes are manageable around $1200. Groceries $500-600/month, utilities $250ish. Healthcare is a big one at $400/month for insurance through his job plus out-of-pocket costs. We don’t go too crazy with entertainment – occasional dinner out, beach/boardwalk stuff, catching a show. But it still adds up! I’d say AC is pretty average cost-wise for this area if you’re smart about expenses.

Living in AC is getting expensive, but the upsides make it worth it for me. My costs aren’t too crazy – $1000 rent for a decent 1-bed, $600ish on food/household stuff, $250 utilities, $150 car insurance/gas. Entertainment is where I splurge though, $500+ per month going out drinking, playing poker, hitting the casinos and trying to make up for it with winnings! Healthcare is also pricey at $400/month with no job insurance. But the ability to walk to work/casinos and have constant entertainment options makes the costs palatable for my single/ no kids lifestyle. Wouldn’t want to cover a whole family’s costs here though!

I feel like the cost of living in AC is quite reasonable for a young professional like me. My 1-bed apartment downtown is $1300, which is expensive but more affordable than cities like NYC/Boston. Groceries are $400-500, utilities $200ish. Healthcare is $250/month through my job’s insurance which isn’t too bad. Biggest costs are probably $300 for my car payment/insurance/gas and $150+ for gym/entertainment. But there’s so much affordable/free stuff to do around the beaches and boardwalks too. I make enough to live comfortably here while still saving a decent amount each month.

The costs in Atlantic City seem pretty high to me based on what I’m used to in other cities! I pay $1600 for a modern 1-bed downtown which is steep. Groceries for my healthy eating habits are over $600/month. Healthcare is $350/month. Add $200 for utilities, $150+ for gym, $100 for transportation, $300ish for entertainment like nice dinners and I’m stretching my entry-level salary. It feels like housing and other basics max out my budget before I can really enjoy AC’s nightlife/amenities. I may need to get a roommate or move somewhere cheaper if costs keep rising here.