Welcome to Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love! From the iconic steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art to Eagles games at Lincoln Financial Field, Philly is a powerhouse of American history, culture, and innovation.
If you’re looking to rent an apartment in Philadelphia, the number of options can feel overwhelming. We’ve simplified your search by compiling a list of the best places to rent in Philadelphia based on the following factors:
- Rental availability
- Average rent relative to other neighborhoods in the city
- Proximity to points of interest like work hubs, universities, downtown areas, shopping centers, or major parks
- Niche.com’s neighborhood report cards
The five best neighborhoods in Philadelphia for renters are:
Callowhill
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Philadelphia: $1,759/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Callowhill: $1,776/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in Callowhill: 600 square feet
Why Callowhill is good for renters
Dubbed “The Loft District,” Callowhill attracts renters with its industrial-chic vibe and converted warehouses that offer spacious, modern living spaces. The neighborhood is a growing entertainment hub, home to popular music venues and a burgeoning dining scene. Its location between Center City and Logan Square places renters close to points of interest like the Franklin Institute, the Kimmel Center, and Reading Terminal Market.
|
Exceptionally Walkable |
Exceptional Public Transit |
Fairly Drivable |
Very Bikeable |
100Callowhill has a walkability score of 100 out of 100 |
100Callowhill has a transit score of 100 out of 100 |
50Callowhill has a drivability score of 50 out of 100 |
80Callowhill has a bikeability score of 80 out of 100 |
Keep in mind
As a revitalized industrial area, some parts of the neighborhood are still under development, which can mean ongoing construction.
Fairmount-Art Museum
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Philadelphia: $1,759/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Fairmount-Art Museum: $2,095/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in Fairmount-Art Museum: 728 square feet
Why Fairmount-Art Museum is good for renters
Fairmount-Art Museum offers an unbeatable combination of cultural attractions and green space. Renters here enjoy having the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Fairmount Park right in their backyard, perfect for weekend visits or morning runs. The area has a friendly, residential feel with beautiful historic rowhomes, cozy cafes, and acclaimed restaurants, all while being a short walk or SEPTA ride from Center City.
|
Exceptionally Walkable |
Exceptional Public Transit |
Fairly Drivable |
Moderately Bikeable |
100Fairmount-Art Museum has a walkability score of 100 out of 100 |
90Fairmount-Art Museum has a transit score of 90 out of 100 |
40Fairmount-Art Museum has a drivability score of 40 out of 100 |
70Fairmount-Art Museum has a bikeability score of 70 out of 100 |
Keep in mind
Street parking can be highly competitive, especially during museum events or festivals. Apartments in the historic rowhomes may offer more character but fewer modern amenities than newer buildings.
Fishtown
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Philadelphia: $1,759/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Fishtown: $1,860/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in Fishtown: 490 square feet
Why Fishtown is good for renters
Fishtown is Philadelphia’s epicenter of cool, known for its arts scene, top-tier restaurants, and active nightlife. Renters are drawn to the neighborhood’s creative energy, with independent boutiques, music venues, and art galleries lining its streets. Its location away from the hustle and bustle of Center City makes it a more peaceful experience, but residents can take the Market-Frankford Line to the heart of Philadelphia in about 10 minutes.
|
Exceptionally Walkable |
Strong Public Transit |
Fairly Drivable |
Moderately Bikeable |
100Fishtown has a walkability score of 100 out of 100 |
80Fishtown has a transit score of 80 out of 100 |
40Fishtown has a drivability score of 40 out of 100 |
60Fishtown has a bikeability score of 60 out of 100 |
Keep in mind
Fishtown’s popularity means high demand and a fast-paced rental market.
Old City
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Philadelphia: $1,759/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Old City: $2,079/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in Old City: 730 square feet
Why Old City is good for renters
Living in Old City means being surrounded by American history. Renters can walk along cobblestone streets past landmarks like the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. Beyond its history, the neighborhood boasts a sophisticated atmosphere with art galleries, boutique shopping, and some of the city’s best dining.
|
Exceptionally Walkable |
Exceptional Public Transit |
Very Drivable |
Moderately Bikeable |
100Old City has a walkability score of 100 out of 100 |
100Old City has a transit score of 100 out of 100 |
80Old City has a drivability score of 80 out of 100 |
60Old City has a bikeability score of 60 out of 100 |
Keep in mind
The premium location and historic significance come with a higher price tag. The area is also a major tourist destination, which can mean crowded streets and restaurants on weekends and during peak vacation months.
Rittenhouse Square
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Philadelphia: $1,759/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Rittenhouse Square: $2,107/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in Rittenhouse Square: 688 square feet
Why Rittenhouse Square is good for renters
As one of Philadelphia’s most prestigious addresses, Rittenhouse Square offers an upscale, cosmopolitan lifestyle. The neighborhood is centered around a beautiful park and is packed with high-end retail, highly rated restaurants, and chic cafes. Renters looking for luxury high-rise living with premier amenities and unparalleled proximity to everything the city has to offer will feel right at home here.
|
Exceptionally Walkable |
Exceptional Public Transit |
Somewhat Drivable |
Moderately Bikeable |
100Rittenhouse Square has a walkability score of 100 out of 100 |
100Rittenhouse Square has a transit score of 100 out of 100 |
30Rittenhouse Square has a drivability score of 30 out of 100 |
70Rittenhouse Square has a bikeability score of 70 out of 100 |
Keep in mind
Rittenhouse Square is on the pricier end of Philadelphia’s neighborhoods, both for rent and daily living expenses. The constant activity means it’s one of the busiest parts of the city.
Ready to Make the Move?
If Philadelphia has caught your eye, take the next step with Apartments.com! Whether you’re dropping in for a short-term lease or hoping to set down roots, Apartments.com has the tools to help you find the perfect place. Navigate housing across neighborhoods with our customized search engine and use our customizable filters to narrow your search by price, amenities, and floor plan.
Wherever you are and wherever you’re going, the options are endless with Apartments.com.
Methodology
Rent and cost of living data are sourced from the Apartments.com Rent Trends pages and Cost of Living Calculator. Walkability, transit, drivability, and bikeability ratings are sourced from the Apartments.com Area Guides, courtesy of Local Logic.
This article was originally published on January 9, 2026, and has been updated to reflect March 2026 data.
FAQs
Is Philadelphia a good place to live?
Yes, Philadelphia is a good place to live for renters who want a major historic city experience without the cost of New York or Washington, D.C. It offers history, arts, and culture, plus a passionate sports scene and a renowned food landscape.
Is Philadelphia an expensive place to live?
The cost of living in Philadelphia is 7.2% higher than the national average, making it more expensive than many other big cities. On average, the cost of living in Philadelphia for a renter is 18.6% higher than the national average.
If you’re on a tight budget, there are plenty of affordable neighborhoods to start your search.
What’s the average rent in Philadelphia?
The average rent in Philadelphia is $1,759/month, as of March 2026. This is 8% higher than the national average rent of $1,627/month.
What salary do you need to live in Philadelphia?
According to our cost of living data, a comfortable salary for a single adult with no dependents to cover housing, utilities, groceries, and goods and services in Philadelphia would be around $89,000 before tax.
