Travel Nurse Housing in Nantucket, Massachusetts: Complete Guide
Nantucket is a historic island 30 miles south of Cape Cod, known for cobblestone streets, pristine beaches, and a wealthy summer community. Travel nurses find seasonal demand and a unique island nursing experience.
Nantucket Cottage Hospital serves the island year-round.
Whether you are heading to Nantucket for your first travel nursing assignment or returning for another contract, this guide will help you navigate the housing market, understand what to expect from local costs, and find a neighborhood that fits your needs. Nantucket has a lot to offer travel nurses, and a little planning goes a long way toward making your assignment a success.
Major Hospitals and Health Systems
Nantucket is home to several major hospitals and health systems that consistently hire travel nurses across a wide range of specialties. Knowing which facilities are in the area helps you plan your housing search around commute times and gives you a sense of where demand is concentrated.
Nantucket Cottage Hospital — A critical access hospital affiliated with Mass General Brigham, providing emergency and medical services to the island.
Travel nurse demand in Nantucket is generally seasonal (strong May-October), with ED and med-surg being among the most frequently requested specialties. Contract availability tends to be strong year-round, though demand typically peaks during summer season (Memorial Day through Labor Day). If you are flexible on specialty or shift, you will have even more options to choose from in this market.
Best Neighborhoods for Travel Nurses
Choosing the right neighborhood is one of the most important decisions you will make during your Nantucket assignment. Where you live affects your commute, your safety, your access to amenities, and ultimately your quality of life for the duration of your contract. Here are the top neighborhoods that travel nurses should consider when searching for housing in Nantucket.
Town of Nantucket
The main village with cobblestone streets, shops, and restaurants.
Pros: Walkable, close to hospital, restaurants, harbor views
Cons: Very expensive, tourist crowds in summer, limited housing
Surfside
A residential area south of town near Surfside Beach.
Pros: Beach access, quieter, residential, biking distance to town
Cons: Very expensive, seasonal feel, limited services
Madaket
The western end of the island with sunset views and beaches.
Pros: Stunning sunsets, beaches, quiet, island character
Cons: Remote, car or bike needed, very limited services, expensive
When choosing where to live, prioritize keeping your commute under 30 minutes whenever possible. Bike-friendly island. Most distances are under 15 minutes by bike. If you are unfamiliar with the area, connect with other travel nurses who have worked in Nantucket through Facebook groups or online forums to get firsthand recommendations on neighborhoods.
Average Housing Costs
Housing costs in Nantucket are in line with the national average. Here is a general overview of what you can expect to pay for rental housing in the area. Keep in mind that prices vary by neighborhood, season, and the specific amenities included with the unit.
- Studio apartment: $1,500 to $2,500 per month
- One-bedroom apartment: $1,800 to $3,200 per month
- Furnished apartment (travel nurse friendly): $2,200 to $4,000 per month
Nantucket housing is extremely limited and expensive. Employer-provided housing is common and may be necessary. Apply early for summer contracts.
Many travel nurses in Nantucket find their housing through Furnished Finder , which connects healthcare travelers with landlords who specifically offer furnished, short-term rentals designed for assignment-length stays. It is one of the most widely used housing platforms in the travel nursing industry and an excellent starting point for your search. You can also explore local Facebook groups, Craigslist, and extended-stay hotels to compare your options and find the best fit for your budget and preferences.
GSA Stipend Rate
The General Services Administration publishes per diem rates that many travel nursing agencies use as a baseline for calculating housing and meals and incidentals stipends. The GSA rate for the Nantucket, MA area varies by time of year, with higher rates typically applying during peak travel seasons and lower rates during off-peak months.
It is essential to check the current GSA per diem rate for your specific assignment dates and location, as rates are updated annually each October and can change significantly from year to year. You can look up the exact rate on the GSA website or ask your recruiter for the figures they are using to calculate your pay package. Keep in mind that your actual stipend may differ from the published GSA rate depending on your agency’s internal pay structure and policies.
Understanding how your stipend fits into your total compensation is key to evaluating any travel nursing contract. For help breaking down the numbers, use our pay calculator to compare packages side by side and see your estimated take-home pay after taxes, stipends, and deductions.
Housing Tips for Nantucket
Every city has its own quirks and considerations when it comes to finding and securing travel nurse housing. Here are tips specific to Nantucket that will help you avoid common pitfalls, stretch your housing stipend further, and settle in more quickly.
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Employer housing is often necessary — The island’s housing crunch means many employers offer housing assistance or provided housing.
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Ferry or flight access only — Nantucket is accessible only by ferry (from Hyannis) or small aircraft.
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Bring a bike, not a car — A bicycle is the most practical transportation. Car ferry reservations are extremely difficult to get in summer.
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High cost of everything — Groceries, gas, and dining are all significantly more expensive due to island logistics.
For a comprehensive overview of the housing search process from start to finish, including how to spot scams and negotiate lease terms, check out our complete travel nurse housing guide. It covers everything you need to know regardless of which city you are heading to.
Cost of Living Overview
Nantucket’s cost of living is among the highest in the country. Everything must be shipped to the island, driving up costs for all goods and services.
When budgeting for your Nantucket assignment, factor in all of your regular expenses beyond rent. Stop & Shop is the main grocery store. Prices are 30-50 percent above mainland. Many residents order bulk items online. Tracking your spending during the first two weeks of your assignment will give you a realistic picture of your monthly costs and help you adjust your budget accordingly.
Things to Do on Days Off
One of the greatest perks of travel nursing is the opportunity to explore a new city on your days off. Nantucket has plenty to offer whether you prefer outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply relaxing and recharging between shifts.
- Beaches — Pristine beaches on every side of the island, from calm harbor beaches to surfable south shore waves.
- Historic Downtown — Cobblestone streets, whaling-era architecture, and the Whaling Museum.
- Cycling the Island — Nantucket has excellent bike paths connecting all major points on the island.
- Lighthouses — Visit the island’s three historic lighthouses including Brant Point, the second-oldest lighthouse in America.
Take full advantage of your time in Nantucket. Exploring the local culture, trying restaurants you have never heard of, and visiting nearby attractions are what make travel nursing more than just a paycheck. Many travel nurses find that their days off are when they truly fall in love with a new city.
Final Thoughts
Nantucket, Massachusetts offers travel nurses a historic Massachusetts island with seasonal nursing demand, pristine beaches, cobblestone charm, and a unique island experience that travel nurses remember for a lifetime. With Nantucket Cottage Hospital and a well above average cost of living, it is a market well worth considering whether you are a first-time traveler or a seasoned veteran looking for your next destination.
Start your housing search as early as possible, ideally four to six weeks before your assignment start date. The best furnished rentals tend to go quickly, especially in popular neighborhoods near major hospitals. Furnished Finder is an excellent resource for finding travel nurse housing in Nantucket, and joining local travel nurse social media groups can give you insider tips and real-time availability updates.
For more resources on finding and securing great travel nurse housing anywhere in the country, explore our complete housing guide. And when you are comparing pay packages for Nantucket assignments, our pay calculator can help you break down the numbers and understand your true compensation.
We wish you the best on your Nantucket assignment. It is a great place to be a travel nurse.