Curator: Prof. Elena Rostova Date: 2/18/2026 Dept: Visual Arts & Sciences

HOW EXPENSIVE IS NANTUCKET TO LIVE

Nantucket, a picturesque island off the coast of Massachusetts, is a popular destination for those seeking a unique blend of coastal charm and New England culture. However, for those considering a move or a visit, it's essential to understand the financial implications of living in this idyllic location. This introduction aims to explore the cost of living on Nantucket, shedding light on the expenses that residents and visitors might encounter.

The island's real estate market is renowned for its high prices, with a significant portion of the population owning second homes or summer cottages. The demand for housing often drives up costs, making Nantucket a challenging place to find affordable accommodation. Additionally, the local economy relies heavily on tourism, which brings both benefits and challenges in terms of pricing.

Understanding the expenses associated with living on Nantucket is crucial for anyone planning to visit or relocate. From housing and utilities to food and transportation, the costs can vary, and being aware of these expenses will help individuals make informed decisions and plan accordingly.

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Fig 1. $38.1 million Nantucket estate sells, breaks state record - masslive.com

Aerial view of a luxurious beachfront home with an infinity pool overlooking the Atlantic. The vibrant blue waters and the white, modern architecture create a stunning contrast. The image suggests the opulence and expense of living on Nantucket, where such extravagant homes are a reality.

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Fig 2. Nantucket's Most Expensive Residential Sales - Fisher Real Estate Nantucket

A bustling market scene on a cobblestone street, filled with local vendors selling fresh produce, artisanal crafts, and seafood. The vibrant colors and lively atmosphere contrast with the expensive, exclusive reputation of Nantucket. This image captures the contrast between the island's charm and its high cost of living.

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Fig 3. Photos: This Nantucket Beach House May Be the Most Expensive Home Ever ...

A vintage, black-and-white photograph of a historic Nantucket mansion with a grand porch and ornate columns. The image exudes a sense of old-world elegance and the high price of such architectural splendor. It evokes a time when living on Nantucket was a privilege for the wealthy.

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Fig 4. Nantucket Is the Priciest Vacation-Home Spot in U.S. - Mansion Global

A close-up of a Nantucket soundside cottage, its wooden siding weathered and painted a soft blue. The image captures the charm and simplicity of island life, but also hints at the high cost of maintaining such a property. The cottage's isolation and the sound of the waves add to the sense of seclusion.

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Fig 5. Dave Portnoy of Barstool just bought the most expensive home ever on ...

A panoramic view of Nantucket's historic downtown, with its quaint shops, elegant restaurants, and charming architecture. The image showcases the vibrant, lively atmosphere of the island, but also hints at the high cost of living and the exclusive nature of the town's amenities.

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Fig 6. Photos: This Nantucket Beach House May Be the Most Expensive Home Ever ...

A couple strolling along a narrow, tree-lined path in a Nantucket garden, surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant flowers. The image conveys a sense of tranquility and the high cost of living, with the couple's leisurely pace and the garden's meticulously maintained beauty.

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Fig 7. Nantucket estate sells for $38.1m to become most expensive home in ...

A sunset over Nantucket Sound, with a lone fishing boat bobbing on the water and a small, luxurious yacht in the background. The image captures the beauty of the island and the high cost of living, with the yacht symbolizing the exclusive, affluent lifestyle.

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Fig 8. How Much Does a House on Nantucket Cost? - Fisher Real Estate Nantucket

A vintage-style illustration of a Nantucket summer cottage, with a red roof and white trim, surrounded by a lush garden. The image evokes a sense of nostalgia and the high cost of living, with the cottage's quaint charm and the garden's vibrant, colorful blooms.

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Fig 9. Nantucket's Most Expensive Residential Sales - Fisher Real Estate Nantucket

A panoramic view of Nantucket's famous beaches, with soft, white sands and turquoise waters. The image showcases the natural beauty of the island and the high cost of living, with the luxurious beachfront homes and the exclusive, upscale atmosphere.

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Fig 10. The Most Expensive Homes Ever Sold on Nantucket - Luxury Real Estate

A close-up of a Nantucket-style home's ornate, wooden door, with intricate carvings and a welcoming porch. The image captures the attention to detail and the high cost of living, with the door's craftsmanship and the inviting, elegant atmosphere.

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Fig 11. Is Nantucket Expensive to Visit? | Budget Your Trip

A vintage photograph of a Nantucket ferry, with a small, quaint town in the background, and a vibrant sunset. The image evokes a sense of history and the high cost of living, with the ferry's journey symbolizing the exclusive, affluent lifestyle of the island.

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Fig 12. Barstool Founder Dave Portnoy Buys Most Expensive Home In Massachusetts ...

A couple enjoying a romantic dinner at a Nantucket restaurant, with a view of the sound and the twinkling lights of the town. The image captures the charm and the high cost of living, with the elegant setting and the couple's relaxed, luxurious dining experience.

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Fig 13. How Much Does a House on Nantucket Cost? - Fisher Real Estate Nantucket

A panoramic view of Nantucket's historic lighthouses, with the sun setting over the ocean. The image evokes a sense of timelessness and the high cost of living, with the lighthouses' majestic presence and the exclusive, picturesque setting.

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Fig 14. $25 Million Historic Home on the Island of Nantucket - Homeworthy

A close-up of a Nantucket-style table setting, with fine china, crystal glasses, and a delicate floral centerpiece. The image captures the attention to detail and the high cost of living, with the elegant table setting and the exclusive, refined atmosphere.

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Fig 15. Image

A vintage-style illustration of a Nantucket summer festival, with colorful booths, live music, and local artisans. The image conveys a sense of community and the high cost of living, with the vibrant, festive atmosphere and the exclusive, local crafts.

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Fig 16. Nantucket Estate That Has Hosted Beyonce and Jay-Z Lists for $39.9 ...

A couple riding a horse-drawn carriage through a Nantucket country lane, surrounded by rolling hills and lush fields. The image evokes a sense of old-world charm and the high cost of living, with the carriage's elegance and the picturesque, exclusive setting.

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Fig 17. Nantucket's Most Expensive Residential Sales - Fisher Real Estate Nantucket

A panoramic view of Nantucket's historic churches, with their tall spires and elegant architecture. The image captures the sense of community and the high cost of living, with the churches' majestic presence and the exclusive, religious atmosphere.

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Fig 18. Photos: This may be the priciest home ever sold on Nantucket

A close-up of a Nantucket-style kitchen, with a large, rustic table, wooden cabinets, and a cozy fireplace. The image captures the warmth and the high cost of living, with the kitchen's inviting atmosphere and the exclusive, comfortable setting.

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Fig 19. Image

A vintage photograph of a Nantucket wedding, with the bride and groom exchanging vows in a historic church. The image evokes a sense of celebration and the high cost of living, with the elegant setting and the exclusive, affluent atmosphere.

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Fig 20. Nantucket is so expensive, these 'affordable' homes cost $1M — and you ...

A panoramic view of Nantucket's famous whale-watching tours, with a boat sailing out to sea. The image captures the adventure and the high cost of living, with the boat's journey and the exclusive, thrilling experience of whale-watching.

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Fig 21. Massachusetts Has The 'Most Expensive Beach Destination In The World'

A close-up of a Nantucket-style fireplace, with a cozy blanket and a warm fire. The image conveys a sense of comfort and the high cost of living, with the fireplace's inviting atmosphere and the exclusive, relaxing setting.

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Fig 22. These 7 Beach Destinations Are The Most Expensive In The World - Travel ...

A vintage-style illustration of a Nantucket summer camp, with colorful tents, a campfire, and a group of children. The image evokes a sense of childhood and the high cost of living, with the camp's vibrant, festive atmosphere and the exclusive, memorable experiences.

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Fig 23. Image

A couple enjoying a sunset cruise on Nantucket Sound, with a luxurious yacht and a breathtaking view of the sky. The image captures the romance and the high cost of living, with the yacht's elegance and the exclusive, memorable experience.

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Fig 24. Nantucket is so expensive, an 'affordable' home now costs $1M | New ...

A panoramic view of Nantucket's historic lighthouses, with a small, quaint fishing village in the background. The image evokes a sense of history and the high cost of living, with the lighthouses' majestic presence and the exclusive, picturesque setting.

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Fig 25. Image

A close-up of a Nantucket-style dining table, with a lavish spread of food and elegant tableware. The image captures the attention to detail and the high cost of living, with the table's luxurious setting and the exclusive, refined atmosphere.

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Fig 26. How Much Does a House on Nantucket Cost? - Fisher Real Estate Nantucket

A vintage photograph of a Nantucket summer concert, with a live band performing on a stage surrounded by a crowd. The image conveys a sense of community and the high cost of living, with the vibrant, lively atmosphere and the exclusive, local talent.

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Fig 27. These Are the 11 Most Expensive Beach Towns in America

A couple riding bicycles through a Nantucket country lane, with a quaint farmhouse in the background. The image evokes a sense of simplicity and the high cost of living, with the bicycles' elegance and the exclusive, picturesque setting.

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Fig 28. Exclusive | 'He Acts Swiftly.' An Investor's 5-Year, Nearly $100 ...

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