I need to buy furniture for a balcony that is exposed to the salt air of the ocean? What types hold up the best for the long haul?

Like anything you buy, you'll get what you paid for.

Today's outdoor furniture(of a better quality),has an anodized or powder coated finish on it.

You could always get wood furniture and have it coated with spar varnish(if that is to your liking),spar was developed with salt air in mind,it is what boats use for their wooden areas protection.

Looking closely at the different big box stores(Lowe's,etc) and at landscaping outfits too.