Is It Expensive to Vacation in Nantucket?

By Anna Duncan

Are you considering a vacation in Nantucket but wondering if it’s going to be too expensive? Well, the answer is not as straightforward as you might think.

While it’s true that Nantucket is known for its luxurious lifestyle and high-end shops, there are ways to enjoy the island on a budget. Let’s take a closer look at what to expect when planning your trip.

Accommodations

Nantucket has plenty of options for accommodations, ranging from upscale hotels and resorts to more affordable bed & breakfasts and rental homes. If you’re willing to sacrifice some luxury, you can find a cozy room in an inn for about $200 per night during peak season. However, if you’re looking for the ultimate experience, be prepared to spend upwards of $1,000 per night on a lavish suite.

Food and Drinks

Nantucket is famous for its seafood and fine dining restaurants. You can expect to pay anywhere from $30 to $100 per person for dinner at one of the island’s top-rated restaurants.

However, there are also plenty of casual eateries where you can grab a quick bite for under $20 per person. Keep in mind that alcohol prices can be steep – plan on spending around $15 per cocktail or beer.

Activities

When it comes to activities, Nantucket offers something for everyone. You can spend your days lounging on the beach or exploring the island’s historic landmarks. Admission fees vary depending on the attraction – expect to pay around $20 per person for museum tickets and guided tours.

Beaches

The beaches are free but might have additional fees like parking charges if you’re bringing your car.

Biking

Biking is an excellent way to explore the island while staying active. Rentals start at around $30 per day.

Fishing

Fishing charters start at around $600 for a half-day trip.

Transportation

Getting to and from Nantucket can be expensive, especially during peak season. Flights from Boston or New York can cost anywhere from $200 to $500 round trip. Alternatively, you can take a ferry from Cape Cod, which costs about $80 per person each way.

Overall Expenses

In conclusion, the cost of a vacation in Nantucket varies widely depending on your preferences and lifestyle. If you’re willing to make some sacrifices and plan carefully, you can enjoy the island without breaking the bank.

On average, expect to spend around $1,000 per person for a week-long trip including accommodations, food, drinks, activities, and transportation. However, if you’re looking for luxury and extravagance, be prepared to spend much more.

  • Accommodations: Ranging from affordable bed & breakfasts to luxurious resorts.
  • Food and Drinks: Casual eateries offer meals for under $20 per person while high-end restaurants charge upwards of $100 per person.
  • Activities: Admission fees range from around $20 per person for museums or guided tours.
    • Beaches: Free but might have additional fees like parking charges if you’re bringing your car.
    • Biking: Rentals start at around $30 per day.
    • Fishing: Charters start at around $600 for a half-day trip.
  • Transportation: Flights range from $200 to $500 round trip, while the ferry costs about $80 per person each way.
  • Overall Expenses: Expect to spend around $1,000 per person for a week-long trip including accommodations, food, drinks, activities, and transportation.

So there you have it – while Nantucket can be an expensive vacation destination, it’s still possible to enjoy the island without breaking the bank. With a little planning and flexibility, you can have a memorable trip that won’t drain your bank account.