5 Wildly Affordable Island Destinations In America

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

There's no denying that life is pretty pricey these days. With inflation and the cost of living on the rise, many of us could use an escape to a budget-friendly island paradise. In honor of stretching your hard-earned vacation dollars the furthest, we rounded up a selection of wildly affordable island destinations right here in America. Considering that the U.S. boasts an estimated 18,617 islands (who knew?), narrowing the list was no easy feat. But we followed the money to highlight five affordable locales where you can eat, stay, and play without blowing your budget.

Island hopping close to home comes with some inherent advantages. There's no ponying up for an expensive overseas flight, no wasting cash on fees for international transactions or money exchanges, and no racking up roaming charges on your phone. You also won't throw your ducats away on pesky "tourist taxes" (looking at you, Venice). Staying domestic can also get you more bang for your buck during the shoulder season, when you can score great deals on visiting incredible island destinations in the fall.

Our list of budget-friendly islands takes several factors into consideration. First, we looked for places that offer reasonably priced beachfront or beach-adjacent lodging. Next, we focused on islands with unique landscapes and plenty of free or low-cost activities for travelers watching their wallets. Finally, we zeroed in on destinations where getting there won't break the bank.

Dappled in beautiful, unspoiled nature and steeped in Native American, colonial, World War II, and African American history, Hatteras Island in North Carolina lures visitors with the promise of a tranquil, culturally rich getaway. The island lies near the southern end of the 200-mile stretch of barrier islands known as the Outer Banks, which was named one of the world's cheapest beach destinations to visit in 2025 by aviation news site Aviation A2Z. The outlet estimates that travelers can dine here on a budget of about $50 to $100 per day and find vacation rentals for roughly $185 to $200 per night.

While popular Outer Banks stops such as Nag's Head and Kitty Hawk — where the Wright Brothers achieved the first powered flight — can be more expensive, Hatteras Island stands out for affordability. In its annual Shoulder Season Report, vacation rental platform HomeToGo named Hatteras Island the third most affordable shoulder season destination in the country. In beautiful, secluded Hatteras Village, value-hunting travelers may find nightly rentals for as low as $63 per night. Alternatively, camping under the stars on Hatteras Island can cost as little as $20 per night. Along with low accommodation prices, autumn visitors can also enjoy Atlantic waters that remain warm enough for swimming and the welcome quiet that comes with smaller crowds.

Hatteras Island is encompassed by Cape Hatteras National Seashore, a nature preserve that's ideal for birding, fishing, hiking, surfing, and lazing along miles of pristine shoreline — all free or low-cost activities. Scampering up to the top of the 210-foot-tall Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, the tallest brick lighthouse in the U.S., costs $8 for adults and just $4 for children. A visit to the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum, which explores North Carolina's shipwreck history, is free.

Beaver Island may be the largest island in Lake Michigan, but it remains a refreshingly under-the-radar escape. A cozy locale brimming with museums, restaurants, and natural beauty, Beaver Island is a family-friendly destination where long lake days stretch well into September. According to Discover Beaver Island, vacationing here costs significantly less than in many other popular Michigan destinations. You'll find rooms for under $100 per night, weekly house rentals for around $600, and even lakeside properties for approximately $1,000 per week — even in peak summer. For an even smaller dent in your wallet, look for deals in autumn when the forested, Midwest island dazzles with fall colors.

You can reach Beaver Island from Charlevoix by plane or ferry, both of which are relatively inexpensive. A round-trip, 20-minute flight on Island Airways from Welke Airport costs $152 for adults, $94 for children under 9, and $142 for seniors as of this writing. If you prefer a wind-whipped two-hour glide across the water, ferry tickets with Beaver Island Boat Company run $67 for adults, $42 for children aged five to 12, and $33.50 for seniors. Children under 4 ride free, and you can transport your vehicle for $220 round-trip.

With the island's wild landscapes as the star of the show, outdoor activities like beachcombing, birdwatching, kayaking, boating, fishing, and exploring more than 100 miles of hiking trails offer free or low-cost ways to enjoy the area. Once the sun sets, prepare to be blown away by some of the best stargazing on the planet inside Dark Sky Island, a 55-square-mile isolated sanctuary known for its clear views of celestial events from the Northern Lights to meteor showers. Entry is free.

For a budget-friendly island escape in the Sunshine State, gas up your ride and make the 45-minute drive from Jacksonville to wildly chic, underrated Amelia Island. Around 13 miles of shoreline frame this culturally rich coastal oasis, part of Florida's Sea Islands along the state's northeastern Atlantic coast. This island offers its share of luxe stays and pricey temptations, but it earns a spot on this list thanks to its abundance of affordable lodging and free things to do.

Budget accommodation is relatively easy to find, even during the peak summer season. At the seaside Surf Beach Motel, which offers free Wi-Fi, a buzzy live music scene, and an "Good" rating on Booking.com, mid-June rooms start at about $147. Nightly rates for the King Suite at SpringHill Suites by Marriott, a wallet-friendly option that's just a five-minute walk from the beach, start around $212. "Beautiful pool, and the rooms are newer. You have access to multiple restaurants and beach at your fingertips," raved one guest on Facebook. The harbor-front Hampton Inn & Suites, with rates beginning at $263, is another relatively affordable choice in the heart of Amelia Island's historic, walkable center.

Frugal fun awaits all over the island. For $10, you can scale the Amelia Island Lighthouse, the oldest in the state. A $2 entry fee grants you access to Amelia Island State Park, where you can enjoy beaches, paddle waterways, bike along seaside nature trails, and spot local wildlife. Exploring the island's old Spanish fort is free, as is marveling at the glorious Victorian architecture in historic downtown. Keep an eye out for the free festivals that roll through town every year, including the Ferdinanda Beach Songwriters Festival (April), the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival (May), and the Right Whale Festival (November).

South Padre Island offers an affordable taste of the tropics. A balmy beach destination tucked between the Gulf of Mexico (renamed the Gulf of America in 2025 by U.S. President Donald Trump) and Laguna Madre at the southernmost edge of Texas, the 34-mile-long barrier island stands out for its stunning wildlife, tropical charms, and endless coastline. With restaurants, nightlife, and outdoor activities ranging from snorkeling and kayaking to birdwatching and dolphin spotting, the island has something for nearly every type of traveler. As one of Texas' most popular vacation spots, things can spike in the high season — but plan your getaway for the right time, and you can enjoy the island for far less.

South Padre Island is most affordable from August through November. Hotel rates come back down to earth after summer, making it a strong window for finding deals. September is the most wallet-friendly month to visit, with hotel rates falling roughly 30% from August highs, and rooms can be found for around $134. It's also a stellar time to snag some of the year's lowest-priced flights to the island.

On Reddit, locals and travelers in the r/Texas subreddit offer additional tips for saving money on a South Padre trip. One mentioned strategy is to swap your hotel stay for a campsite. "That's the cheapest way to enjoy SPI," shared one happy camper of a Redditor. "Bring a tent and camp at KOA or another campground," advised another user, who also recommended pitching a tent at KOA Holiday Campgrounds, which offers RV sites, tent sites, and rentable cabins near the beach, not to mention great travel deals. Travelers also suggest saving by booking midweek stays or opting for vacation rentals like Airbnb.

A lush, tropical archipelago floating in the Caribbean Sea, the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico brims with exotic island vibes at a far more accessible price point than many travelers expect. We know what you're thinking: Yikes, the airfare! At the time of writing, we found low fares even during the first week of January, which is peak season on the island. On the travel search aggregator Kayak, we found a $140 flight to San Juan from Miami on Spirit Airlines, a $150 flight from New York on Frontier Airlines, and a $288 haul from far-flung Los Angeles, once again on budget carrier Spirit.

Once you're there, one of Puerto Rico's standout qualities is its overall affordability. Per travel blog Be My Travel Muse, you can eat at restaurants for under $30 a day, or grab street food for $4 to $8 a pop. Public transportation can cost as little as $15 per day, and ferry travel between islands remains inexpensive. Ferries from the beachside town of Ceiba to the beautiful, hidden islands of Culebra and Vieques only cost between $2 and $2.75. Lodging options range from luxurious resorts to hostels, offering something for every budget. As a guide, the hotel search site Momondo estimates that one-star hotels in Puerto Rico average about $101 per night, while an "expensive" four-star stay has a nightly rate of $243. Vacation rentals can be found for as little as $53 per night.

Puerto Rico is filled with magical, inexpensive discoveries. Travelers on Facebook recommend wandering the colorful streets of Old San Juan, journeying through El Yunque National Forest, visiting Cataño – home of the Bacardi rum distillery — and soaking up the sun on the island's many scenic beaches.

In compiling this list, we sought to include a diverse range of islands scattered across the country. To determine affordability, we relied on data provided by several publications, travel blogs and vlogs, tourism websites, and information provided by the National Park Service. We also reviewed up-to-date flight and hotel prices on popular travel aggregator sites. Additionally, we scanned social media platforms such as Facebook and Reddit for firsthand experiences and recommendations by budget-savvy travelers.