The City of Brotherly Love, Philadelphia, PA, is a historic city with landmarks like the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, the Betsey Ross House, and Reading Terminal Market. With so much to offer, it’s no wonder about 1.6 million residents call Philadelphia home.
If you’re looking to rent an apartment in Philadelphia, the average rent for a studio is $1,343, while a one-bedroom apartment is $1,722. But those numbers might not fit your budget. ApartmentGuide is here to help. We’ve gathered a list of the most affordable neighborhoods in Philadelphia to rent this year.
11 Affordable Neighborhoods in Philadelphia, PA
From Hartranft to Cedar Park, Philadelphia has affordable neighborhoods that fit in your budget. And the best part is, they’re all under Philadelphia’s average rent for studio and one-bedroom units. Let’s jump in and see what Philadelphia neighborhoods made the list.
1. Hartranft
2. Cedar Park
3. Fox Chase
4. Near Northeast Philadelphia
5. Cobbs Creek
6. North Central
7. Upper North District
8. Oxford Circle
9. Southwest Philadelphia
10. Bustleton
11. Richmond
Read on to see what each neighborhood has to offer its residents.
1. Hartranft
Average studio rent: $850
Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,050
Apartments for rent in Hartranft
Hartranft is the most affordable neighborhood in Philadelphia, as the average rent for a one-bedroom unit is $1,050. There are plenty of reasons to love living in Hartranft, from attractions like Temple University to green spaces like Columbia Field. If you’re looking for a taste of the neighborhood, there are a variety of local restaurants to explore along North Broad Street. For renters living in Philadelphia without a car, there are several train stops in the area.
2. Cedar Park
Average studio rent: $840
Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,075
Apartments for rent in Cedar Park
Cedar Park is a vibrant area that’s just west of downtown Philadelphia. This affordable neighborhood has lots of attractions such as Ben Barkin Park and Malcolm X Memorial Park. Cedar Park is charming with its coffee shops and popular restaurants along Baltimore Avenue. You can also find lots of bus lines and train stops along Baltimore Avenue, so it’s a great area to get around without a car.
3. Fox Chase
Average studio rent: $962
Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,112
Apartments for rent in Fox Chase
With an average one-bedroom rent of $1,112, Fox Chase is the third-most affordable neighborhood in Philadelphia. This neighborhood is an excellent option as it’s near attractions like the Fox Chase Farm and Pennypack Park. Fox Chase is a bit further outside of the downtown area, so it’s a nice area if you’re looking for a suburban feel with access to attractions.
4. Near Northeast Philadelphia
Average studio rent: $990
Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,112
Apartments for rent in Near Northeast Philadelphia
Near Northeast Philadelphia is the fourth-most affordable neighborhood in Philadelphia. This neighborhood is a great option if you’re looking for access to plenty of shops and restaurants, like Philadelphia Mills and Northeast Tower Center. You can also find plenty of green spaces like Lardner’s Point Park, Wissinoming Park, and Benjamin Rush State Park.
5. Cobbs Creek
Average studio rent: $1,100
Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,200
Apartments for rent in Cobbs Creek
Just about 5 miles from downtown, Cobbs Creek is a stellar neighborhood if you want to live close to downtown. It’s also a great area if you’re living in Philadelphia without a car since Cobbs Creek has several bus and train stops. There are also parks nearby, such as Cobbs Creek Park and Sherwood Park. Cobbs Creek also has a lot of local restaurants and shops, like Booker’s Restaurant & Bar and Brown Sugar Bakery & Cafe Inc. Since it’s close to downtown, there are a few historic landmarks like the Paul Robeson House & Museum and Malcolm X Memorial Park.
6. North Central
Average studio rent: $850
Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,215
Apartments for rent in North Central
Next up is North Central, the sixth-most affordable neighborhood in Philadelphia. North Central is full of history and charm with tree-lined streets, historic buildings, and museums, like Wagner Free Institute of Science, Temple University, and Temple Performing Arts Center. This area also has plenty of parks, restaurants, and attractions along Broad Street. There’s something for everyone living in North Central.
7. Upper North District
Average studio rent: $1,062
Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,245
Apartments for rent in Upper North District
Nestled north of downtown, Upper North District is the seventh-most affordable neighborhood in Philadelphia. Upper North District has a bustling atmosphere, with plenty of local cafes and restaurants along Germantown Avenue and Broad Street, such as City View Pizza and Grill and Max’s Steaks. You can also check out some of Upper North District’s green spaces, like Hunting Park, which has trails, sports fields, and a pool.
8. Oxford Circle
Average studio rent: $1,355
Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,250
Apartments for rent in Oxford Circle
Oxford Circle takes the eighth spot on our list of most affordable neighborhoods in Philadelphia. The average rent for a one-bedroom unit is roughly $500 less than the city’s average, making Oxford Circle a great option. It’s about 10 miles from downtown, so you’ll have the best city life without living in the city center. Oxford Circle has plenty of shops and restaurants along Castor Avenue and at the Roosevelt Mall.
9. Southwest Philadelphia
Average studio rent: $900
Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,250
Apartments for rent in Southwest Philadelphia
A well-known Philadelphia neighborhood, Southwest Philadelphia is the next area. Southwest Philadelphia is home to Bartram’s Garden, John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum, and Fort Mifflin, meaning there’s plenty to do throughout the week. You’ll find countless historic buildings and museums in Southwest Philadelphia, like the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum, so make sure to explore the area’s charm. If you need to commute to work, there are many options, as buses and light rails stop throughout the area. Southwest Philadelphia is also home to the Philadelphia International Airport, so traveling is a breeze.
10. Bustleton
Average studio rent: $1,099
Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,276
Apartments for rent in Bustleton
The tenth neighborhood in Philadelphia is Bustleton. This area has a vibrant feeling with its popular restaurants and quirky shops. You can find parks like Pennypack Park and Lorimer Park, which are perfect for enjoying a sunny day in Philadelphia. Lincoln Highway runs through the area if you’re a renter commuting to work.
11. Richmond
Average studio rent: $750
Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,285
Apartments for rent in Richmond
Number 11 on our list of affordable neighborhoods in Philadelphia is Richmond. This affordable neighborhood is located northeast of downtown Philadelphia and is an awesome area if you’re looking for a neighborhood with a charming main street. Many cozy cafes and lively restaurants are on Aramingo Avenue and Richmond Street. Richmond is also close to parks like Campbell Square and Powers Park.
Methodology: Affordability based on whether a neighborhood has average studio and 1-bedroom rent prices under the city’s average. Average rental data from Rent.com in March 2024.