Average Rent in Philadelphia 2026
Philadelphia Rent Prices by Bedroom
1 Bedroom
$1,600
per month
2 Bedrooms
$2,000
per month
3 Bedrooms
$2,500
per month
Monthly Housing Cost Breakdown in Philadelphia
Rent is only part of your monthly housing cost. Here is what the average Philadelphia renter pays when you add utilities, internet, and renters insurance to rent.
| Expense | 1-Bedroom | 2-Bedroom | 3-Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | $1,600 | $2,000 | $2,500 |
| Utilities (electric, gas, water, trash) | $110 | $140 | $165 |
| Internet | $70 | $70 | $70 |
| Renters insurance | $16 | $19 | $22 |
| Total monthly | $1,796 | $2,229 | $2,757 |
Utility estimates scale with Philadelphia’s cost of living index (114). Your actual bill depends on unit size, climate, and individual usage.
Cost of Living in Philadelphia
114
Cost of Living Index (100 = national average)
Philadelphia's cost of living index is 114, which is 14% above the national average. This index factors in housing, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and utilities. A higher number means you need more income to maintain the same standard of living compared to the national average.
Philadelphia at a Glance
Population
1.6M
Median Income
$52,649
COL Index
114
Rent Control
No
How Much Income Do You Need to Rent in Philadelphia?
The widely accepted guideline is to spend no more than 30% of your gross income on rent. Here is the minimum annual income you need to afford an apartment in Philadelphia by bedroom count.
| Apartment | Monthly Rent | Min Annual Income | Min Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Bedroom | $1,600/mo | $64,000 | $30.77/hr |
| 2-Bedroom | $2,000/mo | $80,000 | $38.46/hr |
| 3-Bedroom | $2,500/mo | $100,000 | $48.08/hr |
Based on the 30% rule and a 2,080-hour work year. Many landlords also require gross income of 2.5x to 3x the monthly rent or a guarantor who earns 80x rent annually.
What Rent Can You Afford in Philadelphia at Your Income?
Use this table to see the maximum monthly rent you can afford at different income levels, and which Philadelphia apartment sizes that fits.
| Annual Income | Gross Monthly | Max Rent (30%) | Fits in Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000/yr | $3,333 | $1,000 | Roommate required |
| $60,000/yr | $5,000 | $1,500 | Studio or roommate |
| $80,000/yr | $6,667 | $2,000 | 2-bedroom or smaller |
| $100,000/yr | $8,333 | $2,500 | 3-bedroom or smaller |
| $150,000/yr | $12,500 | $3,750 | 3-bedroom or smaller |
If your income puts a solo 1-bedroom out of reach, splitting a 2-bedroom with a roommate drops your share to $1,000 in Philadelphia — often the difference between affordable and not.
How Much You Save with a Roommate in Philadelphia
Save $600/month
by splitting a 2-bedroom with a roommate
Solo 1BR
$1,600
per month
Split 2BR
$1,000
per person/month
Annual Savings
$7,200
per year
Instead of paying $1,600 for a 1-bedroom on your own, splitting a 2-bedroom ($2,000) with one roommate brings your share to $1,000. That is $7,200 per year you could put toward savings, investments, or paying down debt. See the fair rent split calculator when rooms aren’t equal sizes.
Move-In Costs in Philadelphia
On top of your first month's rent, expect these upfront costs before the keys are in your hand. Plan for roughly 2-3 months of rent saved before signing a lease.
Security Deposit
$1,600–$3,200
1-2 months' rent, refundable
First Month
$1,600
Due at lease signing
Broker/App Fees
$50–$1,600
Varies by market and listing
Total upfront cash to sign a 1-bedroom lease in Philadelphia: $3,250–$6,400 depending on broker fees and deposit size.
Rent Control in Philadelphia
Philadelphia, PA does not currently have rent control or rent stabilization laws. Landlords can raise rent by any amount at lease renewal, though they are typically required to provide advance notice (usually 30-60 days). If you are concerned about rent increases, consider negotiating a longer lease term for price stability.
How Philadelphia Compares to Other US Cities
Philadelphia sits slightly above the US average on rent. Compare the 1-bedroom price with nearby tiers to see where you could move to spend less, or what to expect if you go pricier.
Cheaper than Philadelphia
See the full comparison across 50 US cities on the rent data hub or the cost of living comparison.
Rent Calculators for Philadelphia Renters
Use these free calculators to plan your Philadelphia rental budget, split rent with roommates, and check if you qualify for an apartment.
Rent Affordability Calculator
Find out how much rent you can afford based on your income.
Fair Rent Split Calculator
Split rent fairly by room size, features, and income.
Rent-to-Income Calculator
Check if you meet the 3x rent rule landlords require.
Renter Budget Calculator
Build a 50/30/20 budget around your rent payment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Philadelphia
Is Philadelphia expensive to rent in?
Philadelphia is moderately priced for a major Northeastern city. A 1-bedroom averages $1,600 per month in 2026, well below nearby New York City. Center City and University City command higher rents, while West and North Philadelphia offer more affordable options.
How much income do you need to rent in Philadelphia?
Using the 30% rule, you need about $5,333 per month ($64,000 annually) to afford an average $1,600/month 1-bedroom apartment in Philadelphia. Note that Philadelphia has a local wage tax of about 3.75%, which affects take-home pay.
How much can you save by splitting rent with a roommate in Philadelphia?
Splitting a 2-bedroom ($2,000/month) with one roommate brings your share to $1,000, saving $600 per month or $7,200 per year versus renting a 1-bedroom alone.
What utilities should you budget for in Philadelphia?
Renters in Philadelphia typically pay about $110 per month for utilities (electric, gas, water, trash) on a 1-bedroom apartment. Internet adds another $60-$80 per month, and renters insurance runs around $16 per month. Altogether, plan for roughly $196 on top of your $1,600 rent.
How much is a security deposit in Philadelphia?
Most Philadelphia landlords ask for a security deposit equal to 1 month's rent — about $1,600 for a 1-bedroom at the Philadelphia average. Some properties charge up to 2 months ($3,200), especially for tenants without local rental history or with lower credit scores. Pet deposits usually add another $250-$500 on top.
Is Philadelphia affordable on the median household income?
Not comfortably. The median household income in Philadelphia is $52,649 (about $4,387 per month), and the average 1-bedroom rent of $1,600 eats up about 36% of gross monthly income — well above the 30% rule. Many Philadelphia renters split a 2-bedroom with a roommate or look for units in the city's cheaper neighborhoods to bring the share below 30%.
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Pillar Guide
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Planning to rent in Philadelphia?