What does it cost to rent a summer home on Martha's Vineyard?

Whether you want a luxurious compound with swimming pool, water views and guest house or a simple camp to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life, we have a vacation rental for you on the Vineyard!

The cost per week runs the gamut, with prices starting around $3,000/week to $70,000 plus.

*Click the photos to take you to the rental listing*

Expect to pay a premium for anything exceptional - a newer home, swimming pool, water view and private beach or dock will mean you pay in the tens of thousands and above per week.  But affordable options are out there and if you choose a more modest home or don't need lots of amenities or bedrooms/bathrooms you should find something to fit your budget.  Also if you come in the low/shoulder season (May, June, Sept or October), you can often snag one of the more expensive homes for less than it costs in high summer. 

It helps to know that the island is divided into "Down Island" and "Up Island" and the 6 Vineyard towns are often described as being in one of these two geographical locations.  Prices vary across the island - But generally Edgartown and Chilmark have the reputation of being the most expensive towns to rent in. 

"Down Island" is comprised of Edgartown, Vineyard Haven (or Tisbury, as it's also known) and Oak Bluffs.  "Up Island" is comprised of West Tisbury, Chilmark and Aquinnah. You can read more about the different island towns here.

Outside of Edgartown center, where building regulations are more relaxed, you will find larger homes with swimming pools, water views, central AC and guest houses.  These luxurious compounds, more suitable for large groups, tend to be in Katama and the south shore and can fetch anything from $15,000 - $70,000/week. 

Likewise, the grand historic captains houses in downtown Edgartown, conveniently located to restaurants, shops and the harbor and depending on their size can be in the region of $20,000 - $75,000/week or more. 

However if you venture away from the water, medium sized homes just outside of town perhaps near the bike path and state forest, prices will range from $4,000 to $15,000/week

Oak Bluffs has more affordable options with smaller homes either in town or on the outskirts of town, starting at $3500 and reaching $20,000 for homes with pools or waterfront. 

The picturesque harbor town of Vineyard Haven has some lovely harbor and waterfront homes, many that are close to town and shops and restaurants, but that have a nice private feel. Vineyard Haven also has some affordable options ranging from $3,500 - $10,000/week that are located close to town.

Or you can find a nice water view or even waterfront home on Tashmoo for $15,000-$20,000/week.

As you venture further "Up Island" you pass through West Tisbury with some lovely homes set in more rural areas. Prices are a wide range here from $3,000 - $40,000/week depending on the amenities they have like water views, beach access, swimming pools etc.

West Tisbury has homes in private associations on the north shore, like Seven Gates Farm and Makonikey or on the south shore with Tisbury Great Pond and beach access. Some that have pools and are waterfront are at the higher end, costing anything from $15,000-$40,000/week but we also have more modest homes on the interior side but that also come with coveted Lamberts Cove town beach access that range from $3000 - $10,000

Chilmark is possibly one of the most expensive areas to rent outside of Edgartown. Visitors love the beach access at Lucy Vincent and Squibnocket and will pay a premium for access to these two beautiful south shore beaches.  Likewise the north shore of Chilmark is incredible popular with some private associations like Spring Point, offering beaches, tennis courts and walking trails. The pretty fishing village of Menemsha is located in Chilmark and has a selection of smaller more affordable cottages within walking distance to the harbor. We probably have one of the largest selections of rental homes in Chilmark. 

Large waterfront homes in Chilmark will cost around $35,000-$70,000/week depending on the amenities.  And you should expect to pay upwards of $12,000 - $20,000/week for a nicer home here perhaps with a water view.

Having said this, there are many options in the $6,000-$12,000/week range in Chilmark - depending on the amenities you are looking for. 

The smaller camp style properties were once abundant in Chilmark and Up Island and are still coveted by many. If you can forgo a few luxuries, like AC, multiple bathrooms and a water views you can find smaller more modest properties to rent for around $3,000-$8,000/week .. these tend to rent quickly 'tho and repeat renters don't give up their annual 2 weeks easily if they have the perfect spot!

A more typical price for Chilmark would be in the $8,000-$12,000/week range, where you can expect to find a nice 3 or 4 bedroom family home with modern amenities.

Located at the most westerly tip of the Vineyard, Aquinnah's proximity and distance from everything down island is either considered a "plus" or a "minus”, depending on what you like.  Some people consider it is just too far from everything, and some relish the peace and quiet. You can can expect to pay a little less in Aquinnah than you would for a similar house in Chilmark. Probably $8,000-$10,000 for a nice home maybe with a water view. 

With this in mind it's a great alternative to try something new and have access to gorgeous beaches at Philbin and Gay Head if you are on a lower budget.  Prices are anything from $2,500/week for a simple cottage to $25,000 and up for a waterfront family home 

Supply and demand will definitely effect price - and the most popular weeks to come to Martha's Vineyard are end July and early August when the weather is perfect, restaurants are busy and there are lots of events happening here, however bear in mind the premier properties book up fast and prices are their highest. 

Remember, some homes on Martha's Vineyard are peoples primary residences and are only rented for 2 or 4 weeks all summer.  Home owners here often vacate their home to rent in order to offset some of the costs of owning a home here.  The owner may stay with friends, family or perhaps they have a guest house on their property.  This is quite common practice on Marthas Vineyard and it offers the renter an authentic experience to stay in someones home. 

Leaving it to the last minute?

We book rentals right up to the summer season, and if you can take the chance and wait until closer to the summer, often you can snag a week or two that hasn't rented or a last minute or cancellation.  However, that's risky and not for the faint hearted, if you only have 2 set weeks a year and cannot be so flexible with your vacation time its best to book early and have peace of mind that your vacation is all set!

Our experienced team at Tea Lane are here to guide you through the process and help you find the perfect fit for your family and budget.  Reach out today and start the search! Call 508 696 9999 or use the contact us link here