Nantucket has a reputation for being one of the most expensive destinations on the East Coast, and honestly, that reputation isn’t wrong.
Between high hotel prices, expensive restaurants, and peak summer demand, a trip here can add up really quickly. If you’re like me, you might be wondering, is Nantucket on a budget even possible?
In fact, some research I did when planning for our trip showed that the average traveler spends around $400+ per day in Nantucket, with hotels being one of the biggest expenses.
But here’s the thing. Nantucket CAN be done on a budget, especially if you’re traveling with kids. You already know you’ll be making different trade-offs than on a couples trip, and some intentional planning goes a long way.
We love a mix of luxury and practicality when we travel, so I was determined to find a way to experience Nantucket as a family without overspending. And after doing it ourselves, I can confidently say it’s absolutely possible.
Here’s exactly how we made Nantucket more affordable without sacrificing the experience. I’m sharing my best tips on when to visit, if you need a rental car and how to eat well without spending a fortune, plus what you can reasonably expect budget-wise.
For more tips, make sure to read my full guide to traveling to Nantucket with kids.
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Is Nantucket on a Budget Even Possible?
Yes, visiting Nantucket on a budget is possible if you’re strategic about planning your trip. I’m going to level set and say Nantucket will never be a true budget vacation, but you CAN visit without being on a millionaire’s travel budget.
I visited Nantucket with my husband and three-year-old, so while many of the recommendations in this post are geared toward traveling to Nantucket with kids, they can be applied to anyone visiting Nantucket.
Biggest Costs to Plan For
Wondering how expensive is Nantucket? Here’s a breakdown of where you can expect to spend money, and some recommendations for saving money too.
- Transportation to Nantucket: Your options are ferry or flight. Costs for either option vary depending on carrier and port of departure.
- Hotels: Hotels in Nantucket will likely be your largest expense, so plan accordingly. If you stay in Town during peak season, expect to pay very high rates. Staying outside of Town or renting a vacation home can be more reasonably priced.
- Food: Nantucket is known for fine dining, but also has a lot of great casual options!
- Activities: The cost of activities in Nantucket varies. One free (and great!) option is visiting Nantucket’s beaches.
What is the Best Time of Year to Visit Nantucket on a Budget?
If you take one tip from this post, let it be this: timing matters more than anything.
Summer is peak season in Nantucket, and prices reflect that. But visiting in early June or September can make a huge difference. Here’s what we loved about visiting off-peak season:
- Lower hotel prices
- Fewer crowds
- Easier reservations
We visited in early June and it felt like the perfect balance. Everything was open, but we weren’t dealing with peak season chaos. (Check out my exact 3-day Nantucket with kids itinerary!) Even better, our hotel was much more reasonably priced in June. It almost doubled in price in July and August.
How to Save Money Getting to Nantucket
Getting to Nantucket, especially in summer, can be expensive if you wait too long. You have two options:
- Ferry (via Hy-Line or Steamship Authority)
- Flight (here’s a list of airlines that fly to Nantucket)
To save money:
- Book ferry tickets early
- Be flexible with travel times
- Compare ferry vs. flight pricing
We actually used airline points to book our flights. We have the Delta Amex and I found flights for 22,000 points per passenger round trip, so we just paid for fees! I booked our flights about 8 months prior to travel when award flights can be more lucrative.
Where to Stay in Nantucket on a Budget
Hotels are by far the biggest expense in Nantucket, and where you can save the most if you plan wisely. Here are a few tips:
Book early
We booked our hotel about eight months prior to visiting. We maybe didn’t need to book that far in advance, but even budget-friendly options sell out quickly on the island. And, since we were traveling with our three-year-old, we had specific amenities in mind that we wanted at our hotel. If you have specific amenities or dates in mind, the earlier you book, the better.
Consider smaller inns or mid-island stays
Downtown Nantucket is convenient, but it’s also the most expensive. Staying slightly outside of Town can lower your nightly rate. We stayed at The Nantucket Inn, which is located mid-island and we loved it! Read my full Nantucket Inn review for more info! We loved that it had extra space for my son to run around and felt peaceful and quiet for relaxation and nap time.
Travel with family or friends
Splitting a room or rental can make a big difference, and the slower pace of Nantucket makes it a great place for multigenerational family trips!
Consider staying on the mainland and taking a day trip
If prices feel totally out of reach, you can stay in nearby areas like Hyannis, New Bedford or others, and take the ferry for a day trip. While you’d miss out on a full Nantucket vacation, it can save you hundreds per night.
If you’re looking for more information, I have a full guide with much more information on where to stay in Nantucket with kids.
How to Save Money on Food in Nantucket
Dining in Nantucket can add up quickly, but as with any trip with kids, you don’t need to eat out (especially at a nice, sit-down restaurant) for every meal. Here’s what helped us:
- Mix casual, cheap eats with one or two nicer, sit-down dinners. We stayed VERY casual in Nantucket since we knew our three-year-old would get restless at a fancy dinner and the cost wouldn’t feel worth it.
- Grab breakfast or coffee at a cafe instead of going out for a sit-down meal.
- Plan a grocery run for snacks, easy breakfasts, juice and other staples. You can pack these items for beach days or store them in your hotel fridge.
Eating out is one of the most expensive parts of traveling for us (especially if we want a glass of wine too!), so even small changes here can make a big impact.
Check out our list of the best Nantucket restaurants for families, many of which won’t break the bank.
Free and Cheap Things to Do In Nantucket
Activities are one of the areas where you can be very budget-conscious in Nantucket. The main summer activity, going to the beach, is completely free, and other activities like biking and picnicking are inexpensive.
Instead of packing your itinerary with paid activities, lean into:
- Beach days (Children’s Beach and Jetties Beach are our favorites)
- Bike rides
- Exploring Town
- Picnics by the water (get sandwiches from Provisions!)
This not only saves you money, it also creates a more relaxed, family-friendly pace. And if you’re traveling with kids, it’s the perfect activity for everyone.
Read more about activities in Nantucket, including beaches, bike rides and more in my full guide to traveling to Nantucket with kids.
Should You Have a Car in Nantucket if You’re on a Budget?
Probably not. Not having a car in Nantucket is one of the easiest ways to save money and honestly, you probably don’t need a car anyway. Read my post about how to get around Nantucket without a car.
Additionally, bringing a car on the ferry can cost hundreds of dollars round trip, and can be a very expensive part of your overall vacation.
Instead:
- Walk around downtown
- Rent bikes (many offer toddler seats, trailers and kids bikes!)
- Use the local bus system, The WAVE
Nantucket is incredibly walkable, especially if you stay in Town.
My Verdict: Can You Visit Nantucket on a Budget?
Yes, it is 100% possible to take a budget Nantucket trip. To me, it was one of those places that felt worth visiting from the moment we arrived. And while it does take some planning to make it work financially, the experience is absolutely worth it.
Even with all of these tips, I need to say again that Nantucket is a high end destination. There’s no true “budget travel” version of this island. There are, however, ways to make Nantucket feel more affordable and accessible.
Think of planning for a trip to Nantucket as intentional spending instead of budget travel. Prioritize what part of the trip matters most to your family, and build your trip around that.
With a few smart decisions, like traveling in the shoulder season, skipping a car and building your Nantucket itinerary around simple, beach-filled days, you can create an incredible family trip without overspending.
