Cost of Living in Nantucket County, Massachusetts
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Nantucket County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Nantucket County, Massachusetts
Island premium: Nantucket's housing squeeze
Nantucket residents spend 20.7% of income on rent—above both the national average of 19.3% and Massachusetts's 19.3%—despite a median household income of $119,750 that nearly doubles the national median. The island's geographic isolation and seasonal economy have created one of the country's most expensive rental markets.
Massachusetts's least affordable for ownership
Nantucket ranks as Massachusetts's most expensive county for homeownership, with a median home value of $1,387,000—more than double any other Massachusetts county and nearly two and a half times Middlesex's $687,200. Monthly owner costs of $3,203 consume the largest share of any county's income relative to affordability.
Island isolation drives prices skyward
Nantucket's $2,070 median rent mirrors nearby Middlesex and Norfolk, but its $1,387,000 median home value dwarfs all regional peers—Plymouth is $513,000, Worcester $390,700. The island's seasonal tourism economy and limited housing supply have created a bifurcated market: expensive for residents, prohibitive for newcomers.
Ownership costs nearly double rentals
Renters pay $2,070 monthly while homeowners face $3,203—a $1,133 monthly gap unprecedented among Massachusetts counties. Even with a $119,750 median income, Nantucket homeowners dedicate 32% of income to housing, the highest burden in the state.
Consider Nantucket only if you're wealthy
Nantucket works for high-earners seeking island life and don't mind the premium, but renters should know median costs are in line with Boston suburbs while homes cost triple regional averages. If you're seeking New England island living on a tighter budget, consider investigating Martha's Vineyard or coastal Connecticut alternatives.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Nantucket County
Rent Burden
20.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$2,794
per month
Owner Cost Burden
32.1%
of gross income
The median home in Nantucket County may be a stretch
Median home value is $1,387,000. Estimated monthly cost: $11,073 vs. your max of $2,794.
Rent Affordability Guide
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.