Cape May vs Ocean City: Property Tax Comparison
Cape May County, New Jersey — 2025 data
Cape May and Ocean City are both municipalities in Cape May County, New Jersey. Based on the most recent available data (2025), Cape May carries a lower effective property tax rate of 0.587% compared to Ocean City at 1.567%, a difference of 0.980 percentage points. The average residential property tax bill is $49 lower in Cape May ($7,188) than in Ocean City ($7,237). The table below shows the full side-by-side breakdown of effective rates, average bills, and median home values.
Side-by-side comparison
Is your Ocean City assessment accurate?
If your home's assessed value is higher than its current market value, you may be overpaying property taxes. A successful appeal — filed with your county board of taxation — can reduce your assessed value and lower your annual bill.
Contact your local assessor's office or county board of taxation to learn about appeal deadlines and eligibility in your area.
Full town profiles
Cape May vs Ocean City — frequently asked questions
Which has lower property taxes, Cape May or Ocean City?
Cape May has a lower effective property tax rate (0.587%) compared to Ocean City (1.567%), a difference of 0.980 percentage points as of 2025.
What is the property tax rate in Cape May?
The effective property tax rate in Cape May is 0.587% (2025). The effective rate is the ratio of the average tax bill to the median home value — it accounts for assessments, exemptions, and all overlapping taxing jurisdictions.
What is the property tax rate in Ocean City?
The effective property tax rate in Ocean City is 1.567% (2025). The effective rate is the ratio of the average tax bill to the median home value — it accounts for assessments, exemptions, and all overlapping taxing jurisdictions.
What is the average property tax bill in Cape May?
The average residential property tax bill in Cape May is $7,188 (2024). Individual bills vary based on your home's assessed value, any exemptions you qualify for, and the rates set by your specific taxing units.
What is the average property tax bill in Ocean City?
The average residential property tax bill in Ocean City is $7,237 (2024). Individual bills vary based on your home's assessed value, any exemptions you qualify for, and the rates set by your specific taxing units.
How much higher is the average property tax bill in Ocean City than Cape May?
The average residential tax bill in Ocean City ($7,237) is approximately $49 higher than in Cape May ($7,188). This difference reflects a combination of higher assessed values and a higher effective rate.
How do home values compare between Cape May and Ocean City?
Median home values are higher in Cape May ($863,900, 2024) than in Ocean City ($840,500, 2024). A higher home value raises the absolute tax bill even when effective rates are similar.
Can I appeal my property tax assessment in Cape May County?
Yes. Property owners in Cape May County, New Jersey can appeal their assessment through the county board of taxation if they believe their assessed value is higher than the property's current market value. A successful appeal can reduce your assessed value and lower your annual tax bill. Deadlines and procedures vary — contact the Cape May County tax assessor's office for current filing dates.
Where does the property tax data for Cape May and Ocean City come from?
Data on this page is sourced from publicly available government records including state tax authority publications and the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. Effective rates and average bills may reflect county-level data where municipality-level figures are not published. All figures are for planning and comparison only — verify current rates with your local assessor.
Compare other Cape May County towns
Data sourced from state tax authority publications and the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. Figures are for planning and comparison only — actual bills depend on official assessments, exemptions, and local levy decisions. Methodology.