Budget-Friendly Stays

Budget-Friendly Accommodation Options

While truly "cheap" lodging is rare on Nantucket, several options can help you stay without the luxury price tag. Here are the most affordable places to lay your head on the island.

HI Nantucket Hostel

The only true hostel on the island, HI Nantucket offers the cheapest beds you'll find. Located in a converted lifesaving station in Surfside, it provides a social atmosphere and basic but clean accommodations.

• Price range: $50-100 per night for dorm beds
• Season: Open late May through early October only
• What you get: Bunk beds in shared dorms, shared bathrooms, communal kitchen, common areas
• Location: Surfside, about 3 miles from downtown (bike-able)
• Best for: Solo travelers, young visitors, backpackers, those who don't mind shared spaces
• Book early: Limited beds fill up quickly during peak season

Nantucket Inn

The closest thing to a "budget hotel" on the island, Nantucket Inn offers clean, no-frills rooms at the lower end of island pricing. It won't win any design awards, but it's well-maintained and practical.

• Price range: $150-250 per night in shoulder season, $250-400 in summer
• What you get: Standard hotel rooms with private bathrooms, free parking, continental breakfast
• Location: Mid-island on Macy's Lane, car or bike needed to reach town
• Best for: Budget-conscious couples, families who prioritize value over charm
• Perks: One of the few properties with free parking and no resort fees

Off-Season Stays at Any Property

The single biggest money-saver is timing. Luxury hotels that charge $600+ in July might offer rooms for $200-300 in late April or November. You'll experience a quieter island, but still get excellent value.

• Savings: 40-60% off peak season rates
• Best months: Late April-May, late September-October, November (pre-Stroll)
• What to expect: Some restaurants closed, fewer crowds, cooler weather, but still a beautiful experience
• Pro tip: October is ideal - bay scallop season, beautiful fall colors, and reasonable rates

Vacation Rentals Split with Friends

A 4-bedroom house that costs $5,000 per week suddenly becomes quite reasonable when split among 4 couples or 8 friends. This is how many visitors afford Nantucket.

• Per-person cost: $80-150 per night when split among a group
• Added benefits: Kitchen for cooking meals, more space, beach gear storage
• Where to look: VRBO, Airbnb, local agencies like Congdon & Coleman, Lee Real Estate
• Best for: Groups of friends, extended families, long stays
• Tip: Book winter/spring for summer rentals - the best deals go fast

Smaller B&Bs in Off-Season

Many of Nantucket's charming bed and breakfasts offer significantly reduced rates outside of peak summer. You'll get the personal service and included breakfast at a fraction of the summer price.

• Price range: $150-200 per night in off-season
• What you get: Private rooms, homemade breakfast, local knowledge from innkeepers
• Best B&Bs for value: Martin House Inn, Century House, Anchor Inn
• Note: Many B&Bs close entirely from December-March, so check availability

Money-Saving Strategies

Beyond choosing affordable lodging, these strategies can significantly reduce your overall Nantucket trip cost.

Visit in May or October

The shoulder seasons offer the sweet spot of decent weather, most businesses open, and rates 40-50% lower than peak summer. May brings spring flowers and calm beaches. October offers spectacular fall foliage and bay scallop season.

Book Well in Advance

The cheapest rooms at any property go first. If you're planning a summer trip, start looking 6-12 months ahead. Even budget-conscious options like the hostel and Nantucket Inn book up for July and August.

Share Rentals with Friends

This bears repeating because it's the most effective strategy. A group of 6-8 people splitting a house can stay on Nantucket for roughly the same per-person cost as a mid-range Cape Cod hotel.

Consider a Day Trip from Cape Cod

If accommodation costs are prohibitive, you can stay on Cape Cod (much cheaper) and ferry over for a day trip. The Hy-Line High-Speed Ferry takes only an hour from Hyannis. You won't get the full experience, but you'll see the highlights.

• Round-trip ferry: Approximately $85-95 per adult
• Cape Cod lodging: $150-250/night vs. $400+ on Nantucket
• Day trip works for: First-time visitors wanting a taste, budget travelers, those with limited time
• Downside: You miss evening dining, morning beach walks, and the island's peaceful atmosphere

Look for Weekly Rental Discounts

Many vacation rentals offer significant discounts for weekly stays vs. nightly rates. If you can swing 7 nights, you might pay the equivalent of 5 nights at the nightly rate.

Realistic Price Expectations

Here's what "budget" actually means on Nantucket. These are the lowest rates you can realistically expect for each accommodation type.

Hostel: $50-100 per night

• Dorm beds in shared rooms
• Shared bathrooms and kitchen
• Seasonal (summer only)
• Limited availability, book early
• The only sub-$100 option on the island

Budget Hotel: $150-250 per night

• Private room and bathroom
• Basic amenities, no frills
• Shoulder season rates (May, October)
• Summer rates will be higher ($250-400)
• Best value for couples wanting privacy

Off-Season B&B: $150-200 per night

• Charming rooms with character
• Homemade breakfast included
• Personal service from innkeepers
• Available April-May, September-November
• Same rooms cost $300-450 in summer

Context: These are Nantucket "budget" prices. On the mainland, you'd pay half as much for equivalent accommodations. Accept this reality before booking - if these prices seem too high, a day trip or Cape Cod stay might be better options.

What You Give Up vs. What You Gain

Choosing budget accommodations on Nantucket involves trade-offs. Here's an honest assessment.

What You Might Give Up

• Location: Budget options are often outside downtown, requiring bikes or car
• Privacy: Hostels mean shared spaces with strangers
• Amenities: No pools, spas, concierge services, or fancy toiletries
• Charm factor: Budget hotels lack the historic character of boutique inns
• Peak season availability: Cheap rooms in July are nearly impossible to find
• Walkability: Most affordable options aren't within walking distance of town

What You Gain

• More trip budget: Money saved on lodging means better dinners, more activities
• Longer stays: At lower nightly rates, you can afford more nights on the island
• Local experience: Staying outside downtown shows you a different side of Nantucket
• Social connections: Hostels and shared rentals create opportunities to meet fellow travelers
• The same beaches: Budget travelers enjoy the exact same beaches and sunsets as those at luxury hotels
• Bragging rights: "We did Nantucket on a budget" is an accomplishment worth celebrating