Budget-Friendly Travel in Massachusetts

Thanks to fantastic academic and cultural institutions and wonderful natural resources, travelers can experience the very best of Massachusetts without busting their budgets.

Making the right decisions about where to eat, what to do, and how to move around the Bay State are key factors in experiencing it without the hefty price tag. Here’s our guide to a budget-friendly trip to Massachusetts.

Eat Where the Students Eat

Did we mention that Massachusetts has a large student population? In any college town, students know where to eat for cheap.

In Boston, that’s the Fenway – specifically, the row of tasty fast food eateries on Peterborough Street.
In Cambridge, there are affordable restaurants (and food trucks) lined up along Mass Ave, near MIT.
Northampton and Amherst are college towns and food hubs too, with plenty of options for budget-conscious travelers.

Indulge in International Cuisine

Do you want to eat well and experience Massachusetts at its most cosmopolitan? Head to the cities’ vibrant ethnic enclaves for dinner.

The biggest variety is in Boston, where you can get dumplings in Chinatown, pho in Dorchester, and pizza in the North End – all at a remarkably low cost. Lowell is famous for Cambodian food, while Springfield has excellent Jamaican restaurants. You might bust a gut, but you won’t bust your budget.

Check Nearby Airports for Cheaper Flights

Airfares are generally cheapest when flying into Boston’s Logan Airport, which is the state’s largest airport. However, it’s always worth comparing prices to other nearby airports in Providence, Rhode Island, and Hartford, Connecticut.

From TF Green Airport in Providence, the commuter rail runs to Boston in 1.5 hours and costs just $12.75. For Bradley Airport in Hartford, from nearby Windsor Locks, it’s an easy 45-minute train ride to Union Station in Springfield at a cost of only $4.

For international arrivals, flights into New York City are often significantly cheaper than flights into Boston. It will add about four hours to your journey (by bus, car, or train), but it may be worth it for budget travelers heading to Massachusetts.

Travel During the Off-Season for More Affordable Accommodation

Hotel prices fluctuate dramatically depending on the season. If you’re traveling to Massachusetts on a budget, be aware that accommodations are at their cheapest from November to March. However, you don’t have to brave the winter to get a good deal on a place to stay.

Different destinations have windows for affordable accommodation. Head to The Berkshires in late spring; hit the beach in June or September. Be aware that hotel prices are driven not only by seasons but also by major events and availability. Therefore, flexible trip dates can improve your chances of a deal.

Sleep in a Hostel

Truth be told, there aren’t too many options for hostel-hoppers in Massachusetts. HI Boston is an excellent budget accommodation located in Boston’s vibrant theater district, near affordable eats in Chinatown. Dorm beds range from $60 to $80, while private rooms start from $260.

Take the T in Boston

There’s no reason to rent a car during your time in Boston. You’ll save not only on the cost of the rental but also on parking and tolls. Boston’s public transportation is affordable and user-friendly. The T runs (approximately) from 5 am to 1 am. Tickets cost $2.40 for a one-way ticket or $22.50 for a 7-day pass.

Ride the Rails and Sail the Seas

Cars are efficient modes of transportation when traveling outside of Boston, especially in places like the Berkshires and Cape Cod. However, renting a car can be expensive, so it’s wise to consider train or ferry options.

The MBTA commuter rail serves popular tourist spots like Plymouth, Concord, Lowell, Salem, Rockport, and Gloucester. In summer, beach buses run from the Rockport and Gloucester stations to Cape Ann beaches every 20 to 30 minutes.

The Provincetown Fast Ferry offers a delightful way to get to Provincetown – no car required. The CapeFlyer train from Boston to Hyannis connects to ferries heading to Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket.

Bring Your Special ID

Massachusetts hosts hundreds of colleges and universities, which is good news for students as many cultural institutions offer student discounts. Museums, theaters, tours, and other attractions frequently admit students at 50% to 60% of the full-price admission.

Go Back to School

Non-students can take advantage of a variety of affordable performances, lectures, and museums at Massachusetts academic institutions. These options include recitals, films at archives, and planetarium shows.

Get Cultured for Free (or at Discounted Prices)

Highbrow culture doesn’t have to come with a high price tag in Massachusetts. The state’s renowned cultural institutions often offer free admission on designated days. The Boston Symphony Orchestra and Boston Ballet also provide discounted rush tickets for select performances.

Delve into the Past at (Mostly) Free National Historic Sites

Massachusetts’ rich history is one of the state’s biggest attractions. Many of the top spots are National Historic Sites, most of which are free to visit. These include the Black Heritage Trail in Boston, Adams homes in Quincy, and the JFK birthplace in Brookline.

Explore the Great Outdoors at State and National Parks

From sandy shores and salt marshes in the east to rolling mountains and lush forests in the west, Massachusetts is a naturalist’s paradise. Many outdoor destinations are protected as state parks and private reserves. You’ll find diverse parks throughout the state, providing opportunities for beachcombing, pond swimming, and mountain climbing – often for next to nothing.

Daily Costs in Massachusetts

Hostel bed: $60-70
Basic double room: $200-300
Self-catering apartment: $200-300
T fare: $2.40
Cup of coffee: $4
Lobster roll: $25-35
Dinner for two: $50-100
Craft beer: $8