Philadelphia is a city of history, cheesesteaks, and passionate sports fans who will absolutely throw hands if need be. It’s also a city where rent prices seem to have been set by someone who thinks everyone has a secret trust fund. If you dream of living within walking distance of the Liberty Bell but don’t want to spend your life savings on a one-bedroom, you might have to rethink your plan. Luckily, just outside the city, a number of suburbs offer lower rents, fewer parking nightmares, and—best of all—a much lower chance of getting yelled at by an angry Eagles fan. Here’s a look at ten of the most affordable Philadelphia suburbs for renters in 2025.
Philadelphia’s housing market at a glance
Philadelphia is a great place to live if you enjoy world-class history, world-class professional sports, and rent prices that make you question every life decision you’ve ever made. Once upon a time, you could find a cheap apartment in the city, but now even Ben Franklin would struggle to afford a place (and he literally invented money). Thankfully, there’s hope. Just beyond Philly’s borders, a collection of suburbs offer more reasonable rents, plus the added bonus of fewer potholes and a slightly lower risk of getting into a heated argument about Wawa vs. Sheetz. Before we dive into the most affordable Philadelphia suburbs, here’s a quick look at what it costs to live near the City of Brotherly Love.
| Average 1-bedroom rent in Philadelphia | $1,860 |
| Average 2-bedroom rent in Philadelphia | $2,297 |
| Median home price in Philadelphia | $260,000 |
1. Chester
Chester is one of those places where you can feel the history in the air—and not just because some of the buildings have been standing for over a century.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,145
- Distance from Philadelphia: 18 miles southwest
- Drive time to Philadelphia: About 25 minutes
With an average 1-bredroom rent of $1,145, Chester is one of the more affordable places to live near Philly. The city has a deep industrial past, but these days, its biggest draw is Subaru Park, home of the Philadelphia Union. Even if you don’t consider yourself a soccer fan, sitting in a stadium full of die-hard fans shouting in unison will make you feel like you suddenly care a lot about corner kicks. If sports aren’t your thing, the city’s waterfront along the Delaware River offers scenic views and a peaceful escape from city life.
2. Upper Darby
Upper Darby is where you live when you want easy access to Philly without the Philly price tag.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,149
- Distance from Philadelphia: 6 miles west
- Drive time to Philadelphia: About 15 minutes
With an average rent of $1,149, Upper Darby is the most affordable option on this list, and it comes with perks. Naylor’s Run Park has trails, playgrounds, and sports fields, perfect for when you need to pretend you’re going to start jogging regularly. And if shopping is your cardio, the 69th Street Shopping District has enough retail and dining options to keep you busy. Housing options in Upper Darby range from historic brick homes to newly constructed townhomes and more.
3. Drexel Hill
Drexel Hill is the kind of place where people put down roots—probably because once they move here, they realize there’s no sense in leaving.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,317
- Distance from Philadelphia: 8 miles west
- Drive time to Philadelphia: About 20 minutes
With an average 1-bedroom rent of $1,317, Drexel Hill is an affordable option that doesn’t make you feel like you’ve sacrificed too much just to save a few bucks. The neighborhood is known for its quiet, tree-lined streets, a refreshing change of pace from Philly’s more chaotic areas. History buffs will appreciate Lower Swedish Cabin, a 17th-century log house that proves people were living here long before the invention of artisanal coffee. Meanwhile, Drexelbrook Event Center keeps the town lively with weddings, banquets, and events that inevitably require you to buy a new outfit. Drexel Hill is a place where you can escape the city without actually giving up on city life—kind of like taking a deep breath, but with better parking.
4. Trenton
Trenton is where history buffs and budget-conscious renters find home.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,400
- Distance from Philadelphia: 33 miles northeast
- Drive time to Philadelphia: About 40 minutes
Just across the border into New Jersey, Trenton delivers affordability with an average 1-bedroom rent of $1,400. The New Jersey State Museum has a little bit of everything—archaeology, fine arts, and even giant dinosaur fossils, because why not? The Old Barracks Museum takes you back to Revolutionary War days, in case you ever wanted to experience what life was like before Wi-Fi. And for sports fans, Arm & Hammer Park is home to the Trenton Thunder, the minor league baseball team where future MLB stars (and the occasional washed-up major leaguer) take the field.
5. Jenkintown
Jenkintown is where you go when you want all the charm of a small town but still need easy access to Philadelphia.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,435
- Distance from Philadelphia: 10 miles north
- Drive time to Philadelphia: About 25 minutes
With an average 1-bedroom rent of $1,435, Jenkintown is a solid middle-ground option. The town has a tight-knit community vibe, the kind where people actually recognize their neighbors. The Hiway Theater, a local treasure, is a restored Art Deco cinema where you can watch indie films and special screenings. For those who enjoy the great outdoors but don’t want to commit to full-blown wilderness, Alverthorpe Park has peaceful walking trails and just enough nature to feel accomplished without breaking a sweat. Jenkintown is the kind of place where you can slow down, breathe, and maybe even learn the na
6. Bensalem
Bensalem is the kind of place where you can enjoy a quiet evening—or hit the casino at the drop of a hat.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,569
- Distance from Philadelphia: 20 miles northeast
- Drive time to Philadelphia: About 30 minutes
At around $1,569 per month for a 1-bedroom apartment, Bensalem is an affordable Philadelphia suburb with entertainment options you won’t find in most suburbs. Parx Casino is a big attraction. Neshaminy State Park has riverfront trails and picnic spots. And for history lovers, the Historical Society of Bensalem provides a look into the area’s past—because even a town with a giant casino has a story to tell. History buffs also enjoy walking the historic neighborhoods and checking out the houses that have been standing since before they were born. Bensalem really is a sweet spot to settle down.
7. Ardmore
Ardmore is where you move when you want to live in the suburbs but still feel like a city person.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,621
- Distance from Philadelphia: 10 miles west
- Drive time to Philadelphia: About 20 minutes
At $1,621 on average for a 1-bedroom, Ardmore isn’t the most affordable Philadelphia suburb on the list, but it does come with perks. Ardmore Music Hall is a top-tier live music venue where you can catch acts that are just about to hit it big (or that were big 20 years ago but still put on a great show). Suburban Square is a fancy open-air shopping center and the Ardmore Farmers Market provides gourmet food options that make you feel like a much better cook than you actually are.
8. Marlton
Marlton is where you move when you want suburban convenience, decent bagels, and just enough New Jersey attitude to keep things interesting.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,645
- Distance from Philadelphia: 17 miles east
- Drive time to Philadelphia: About 25 minutes
With an average rent of $1,645 for a 1-bedroom, Marlton sits on the pricier side, but you’re paying for a lifestyle that includes big shopping centers, solid schools, and the ability to get to Philly without too much road rage. The Promenade at Sagemore is a go-to destination for shopping and grabbing a bite. If you prefer your free time to be a little less retail-driven, Black Run Preserve has beautiful hiking trails and offers a chance to pretend you’re the kind of person who goes hiking regularly.
9. Merion Station
Merion Station is where you live if you like the idea of a peaceful neighborhood with occasional bursts of culture.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,700
- Distance from Philadelphia: 8 miles west
- Drive time to Philadelphia: About 15 minutes
At $1,700 on average for a 1-bedroom apartment, Merion Station is on the pricier side, but it’s also one of the most picturesque suburbs on this list. The Barnes Foundation offers a world-class collection of Impressionist and Modernist art, perfect for people who enjoy standing in front of paintings and nodding thoughtfully. Merion Botanical Park provides walking trails lined with carefully curated plants. And the historic Merion Friends Meeting House reminds you that, yes, this town has been here for a long time—long enough to have its own Quaker meeting house.
10. West Chester
West Chester is the kind of place where you can walk down a charming, historic main street and then go look at a bunch of helicopters.
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,840
- Distance from Philadelphia: 25 miles west
- Drive time to Philadelphia: About 35 minutes
At about $1,840 for a 1-bedroom, West Chester offers a lot for the price. The American Helicopter Museum is exactly what it sounds like—a place where you can learn everything you ever wanted to know about helicopters. The Chester County History Center dives deep into the region’s past, making it a great stop for anyone who enjoys old maps, antique furniture, or saying, “Wow, people used to live like this?” And for those who prefer the great outdoors, Stroud Preserve offers scenic trails and prime bird-watching territory, which is a fun way to pretend you’re an amateur ornithologist for the day.
Find the affordable Philadelphia suburb for you
Philadelphia’s suburbs offer a mix of history, culture, and affordability—whether it’s the classic Pennsylvania college town energy of West Chester, the artsy scene in Ardmore, or the suburban convenience of Bensalem. If you’re looking for lower rent without giving up easy access to the city, these towns provide plenty of options. The hardest part? Deciding which one feels like home (and figuring out how to pronounce “Schuylkill” correctly before you move).
Affordability is based on whether a suburb’s one-bedroom rent was less than Philadelphia’s average rent and under 35 miles from downtown Philadelphia. Average rental data from Philadelphia rental market trends in February, 2025. Population data sourced from the United States Census Bureau.
