Budget Planning Guide

Understanding Nantucket Costs

Before diving into specific numbers, it's important to understand why Nantucket costs what it does. Everything - from building materials to restaurant ingredients - must be shipped to the island by ferry or flown in. Labor costs are high because workers also face expensive housing. Add in the island's popularity and limited supply of accommodations, and you have a recipe for premium pricing.

The good news? The island delivers extraordinary value in terms of natural beauty, pristine beaches, historic charm, and overall experience. Many visitors find Nantucket worth every penny - you just need to know what you're getting into.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Here's what you can expect to spend in each major category during your Nantucket visit.

Transportation to the Island

Getting to Nantucket is your first significant expense. You have two main options: ferry or flight.

• Steamship Authority Ferry (slow): $40-50 round-trip per adult, 2.25 hours
• Hy-Line High-Speed Ferry: $85-95 round-trip per adult, 1 hour
• Vehicle on ferry: Additional $200-400 round-trip (reservations essential)
• Flights from Boston: $200-350 round-trip
• Flights from NYC area: $300-500 round-trip
• Private charter flights: $1,500+ depending on origin

Tip: The slow ferry is cheapest but takes over 2 hours. High-speed costs more but saves time. Consider your full trip budget when deciding.

Accommodations

Lodging represents the largest variable in your Nantucket budget. Prices vary dramatically by season, with peak summer rates 2-3x higher than shoulder season.

• Hostel (summer): $50-100 per night (shared dorm)
• Budget hotel (shoulder season): $150-250 per night
• Budget hotel (summer): $250-400 per night
• Mid-range B&B/Inn (summer): $350-500 per night
• Boutique hotel (summer): $500-800 per night
• Luxury hotel (summer): $800-1,500+ per night
• Vacation rental: $2,000-10,000+ per week

Tip: Vacation rentals can be economical when split among a group - a $5,000/week house divided by 4 couples equals ~$180/night per couple.

Dining

Nantucket's food scene ranges from casual takeout to world-class fine dining. Plan for higher prices than mainland restaurants.

• Coffee and pastry: $8-15
• Casual breakfast: $15-25 per person
• Lunch (casual): $15-30 per person
• Dinner (casual): $25-45 per person
• Dinner (mid-range): $50-75 per person
• Fine dining: $100-150+ per person
• Cocktails: $15-20 each
• Wine by the glass: $12-25

Tip: Lunch portions at nice restaurants are often similar to dinner but 30-40% cheaper. Make lunch your main meal out.

Activities and Entertainment

The best news about Nantucket? Many of its greatest attractions are completely free.

• Beach access: Free (all Nantucket beaches are public)
• Walking/biking downtown: Free
• Window shopping on Main Street: Free
• Sunset watching: Free
• Bike rental: $25-50 per day
• Kayak/paddleboard rental: $30-75 per hour
• Guided tours: $25-75 per person
• Whale watching: $50-75 per person
• Museum admission: $10-25 per person
• Golf: $100-300+ per round

Sample Daily Budgets

Here's what different budget levels look like in practice for a couple visiting Nantucket. These are per-couple, per-day estimates excluding transportation to the island.

Budget Traveler: $200-300/day

It's possible to do Nantucket affordably, but it requires discipline and flexibility.

• Accommodation: Hostel ($50-100) or off-season budget hotel ($150)
• Breakfast: Pastry and coffee from bakery ($15-20)
• Lunch: Sandwiches or takeout, picnic on beach ($20-30)
• Dinner: Casual restaurant or cook in hostel kitchen ($30-50)
• Activities: Free beaches, walking tours, sunset watching ($0-25)
• Total: $115-275 per day

Best for: Solo travelers, backpackers, shoulder season visitors, those who prioritize experience over comfort.

Mid-Range Traveler: $400-600/day

The sweet spot for most visitors - comfortable accommodations with flexibility for nice meals and activities.

• Accommodation: Nice inn or B&B ($300-400)
• Breakfast: Included at B&B or casual restaurant ($0-25)
• Lunch: Nice casual restaurant ($40-60)
• Dinner: One casual, one nicer meal alternating ($60-100)
• Activities: Mix of free and paid - bike rental, one tour ($25-75)
• Total: $425-660 per day

Best for: Couples, anniversary trips, those wanting to experience the island without constant budget concerns.

Luxury Traveler: $800+/day

For those who want the full Nantucket experience without limitations.

• Accommodation: Luxury hotel or high-end rental ($600-1,000+)
• Breakfast: Hotel restaurant or top breakfast spot ($40-60)
• Lunch: Waterfront dining ($60-100)
• Dinner: Fine dining with wine ($200-300)
• Activities: Private tours, sailing, spa treatments ($100-300)
• Total: $1,000-1,760 per day

Best for: Special celebrations, honeymoons, those seeking the ultimate Nantucket experience.

Money-Saving Tips

Smart strategies to stretch your Nantucket budget without sacrificing the experience.

Visit During Shoulder Season

May, early June, September, and October offer dramatically lower prices - often 40-60% less than peak summer. The weather is still pleasant, beaches are less crowded, and you'll experience a more authentic island feel.

Stay in a Vacation Rental with Kitchen

Cooking breakfast and some dinners in your rental can save $50-100 per day. Stop by local markets for fresh seafood, produce, and ingredients. A lobster dinner at home costs a fraction of restaurant prices.

Pack Picnic Lunches

One of Nantucket's greatest pleasures is eating on the beach. Grab sandwiches, chips, and drinks from a deli and enjoy lunch with ocean views - far more memorable than a restaurant and half the price.

Use the NRTA Shuttle

The Nantucket Regional Transit Authority runs shuttle buses to beaches and neighborhoods. At $2 per ride or $7 for a day pass, it's far cheaper than taxis ($15-30 per ride) or rental cars ($100+/day plus parking).

Free Beach Access

All Nantucket beaches are free and open to the public. You don't need to pay for beach clubs or private access - just bring your own chair, umbrella, and towels.

Skip the Car Ferry

Bringing a car to Nantucket costs $200-400 round-trip for the vehicle alone. Between bikes, shuttles, and the walkable downtown, most visitors don't need a car. Save that money for experiences.

Book Far in Advance

The best-value accommodations book up quickly. For summer visits, start looking 6-12 months ahead. Last-minute trips almost always cost more.

Where to Splurge vs. Save

Strategic spending helps you experience Nantucket's best while staying within budget.

Worth the Splurge

• One special dinner: Nantucket has world-class restaurants. Budget for at least one memorable fine dining experience.
• High-speed ferry: The hour saved each way is worth the $40-50 difference, especially for short trips.
• Good location: Staying in or near downtown eliminates transportation costs and hassle.
• Fresh seafood: You're on an island famous for it - don't skimp on lobster rolls and oysters.
• Quality bike rental: A comfortable bike makes exploring the island far more enjoyable.

Where to Save

• Breakfast: Grab pastries and coffee to-go instead of sit-down restaurants.
• Souvenirs: Skip the pricey boutique items - shells from the beach and photos are free.
• Alcohol: Buy wine/beer at package stores instead of restaurant prices.
• Beach gear: Bring chairs and umbrellas from home rather than renting or buying.
• Daily activities: The beach is free and endlessly entertaining - you don't need paid activities every day.

Hidden Costs to Plan For

Don't let these surprise expenses derail your budget.

Tips and Gratuities

Service industry workers on Nantucket often face high living costs. Standard tipping applies:

• Restaurants: 18-22%
• Taxis: 15-20%
• Hotel housekeeping: $5-10 per day
• Tour guides: 15-20%
• Bellhops: $2-5 per bag

Parking

If you bring a car, parking in downtown Nantucket is limited and often expensive:

• Metered street parking: $2-3 per hour
• Parking lots: $20-40 per day
• Hotel parking: Often free at mid-island properties, $20-50 at downtown hotels

Beach Gear

If you don't bring your own:

• Beach chair rental: $15-25 per day
• Umbrella rental: $20-30 per day
• Boogie board purchase: $25-40
• Sunscreen (if you forget): $15-25

Island Premium

Everything costs 10-30% more than on the mainland - groceries, toiletries, medications. If you forget something essential, you'll pay a premium to replace it.

Weather Contingencies

Fog can delay or cancel ferries. Build flexibility into your schedule and budget for potential extra nights or flight changes.