The five lower-cost Philadelphia neighborhoods in this analysis are Frankford ($1,028 for a one-bedroom), Olney ($1,100), West Oak Lane ($1,175), Mayfair ($1,295), and Point Breeze ($1,350). All five have one-bedroom listings below Philadelphia's citywide median rent of $1,447, and each keeps a Walk Score above 75 and a third-party safety grade on par with or better than the citywide average.
A note on the figures: the neighborhood rents below are averages of apartments listed on Apartment List as of early August 2026. Because they reflect whatever happens to be available the day we pull them, they will shift over time. Treat them as a current snapshot, not a fixed rate. The citywide $1,447 number is a separate, more stable figure: the median rent from Apartment List's monthly rent estimates.
Neighborhood rents are current listing averages as of August 7, 2026, and will change as inventory turns over.
| Neighborhood | 1BR listing avg | 2BR listing avg | Walk Score | Safety vs. Philadelphia average | Commute to Center City |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frankford | $1,028 | $1,361 | 76 | On par with citywide average | 25–30 min (SEPTA), 20–25 min (car) |
| Olney | $1,100 | $1,375 | 76 | Higher third-party grade than citywide average | 35–45 min (SEPTA), 25–35 min (car) |
| West Oak Lane | $1,175 | $1,435 | 77 | On par with citywide average | 40–50 min (SEPTA), 30–40 min (car) |
| Mayfair | $1,295 | $1,485 | 81 | On par with citywide average | 50–60 min (SEPTA), 20–30 min (car) |
| Point Breeze | $1,350 | ~$1,729* | 89 | On par with citywide average | 15–25 min (SEPTA), 10–15 min (car) |
Rent data: Apartment List neighborhood listings, as of August 7, 2026; citywide median from the Apartment List Rent Report. Safety grades from CrimeGrade.org; walk/transit/bike scores from WalkScore.com. Neighborhood-wide ratings describe general conditions and can't predict what any specific address or block will be like.
As of August 2026, Philadelphia's median rent is $1,447.
Pro tip: When renters search for the "average" rent in a city, the more useful figure is usually the median. Apartment List's rent estimates report the median—the true middle, where half of apartments cost less and half cost more—because a handful of high-end luxury rentals can pull a simple average well above what most people actually pay. In Philadelphia as of August 2026, the average 1BR listing is around $2,092, while the median 1BR rent is $1,323.
One thing to keep straight on this page: the citywide $1,447 is a median from Apartment List's economists, while the neighborhood figures further down are averages of what's currently listed in each area. They come from different methods, so read the neighborhood numbers as "what's on the market there right now," not as a like-for-like median.
This guide covers five of the more affordable Philadelphia neighborhoods whose current one-bedroom listings sit below the citywide median. It compares rents, walkability, reported safety grades, and estimated commute times so you can weigh costs against day-to-day living.
Apartment List's methodology combines rent data, walkability, commute times, and safety filters to surface affordable, practical neighborhoods for renters.
Below are five of the most affordable neighborhoods in Philadelphia, listed from cheapest to most expensive by current one-bedroom listing average.
Best for: Renters who want transit access and walkable errands over trendy amenities.
Frankford is Philly's most budget-friendly neighborhood in this analysis, with one-bedroom listings currently averaging around $1,028. It's well connected via the Market-Frankford Line, making commutes to Center City manageable even without a car.
The area offers a mix of row homes and walk-up apartments, along with easy access to local markets, corner stores, and green space at Womrath Park. Renters appreciate the nearby SEPTA stations and the low rent, though the third-party safety grade sits on par with Philadelphia's citywide rating of C+.
Pros
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Best for: Renters who want transit access and a higher third-party safety grade alongside low rent.
Olney delivers solid value, with one-bedroom listings currently averaging around $1,100 and a higher third-party safety grade than the citywide average. It's a well-established neighborhood in North Philly known for its cultural diversity.
The area is filled with family-owned shops, restaurants, and bakeries that reflect the neighborhood's immigrant roots. The Olney Transportation Center serves as a central transit hub with access to SEPTA bus and metro lines. Housing ranges from compact apartments to classic Philly row homes, so both single renters and roommates have options.
Pros
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Best for: Renters who want more space and quieter surroundings over nightlife.
With a one-bedroom listing average around $1,175, West Oak Lane offers solid value in a residential setting in Northwest Philadelphia, known for tree-lined streets and quiet blocks. The area features a mix of brick townhomes and small apartment buildings, many with driveways or garages.
Public transit is decent, with multiple bus routes through the area and connections to nearby Broad Street Line stations. West Oak Lane isn't the most walkable neighborhood in this analysis, but its calm pace and lower rent appeal to renters who prioritize space.
Pros
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Best for: Renters who want quieter surroundings and off-street parking without leaving the city.
Mayfair offers a calmer pace without leaving the city limits. With one-bedroom listings currently averaging around $1,295, it's one of the cheapest neighborhoods in Northeast Philly. Renters find tidy blocks, mom-and-pop diners, and a residential feel.
Walkability and transit access are respectable, and commuting downtown via Roosevelt Boulevard or SEPTA buses is straightforward. The housing stock includes brick row homes, duplexes, and smaller apartment buildings, often with dedicated parking spots. The third-party safety grade is on par with the citywide average, so research individual blocks before signing a lease.
Pros
Consider before renting
Best for: Renters who want the shortest Center City commute and walkable errands, with restaurants and shops in nearby Passyunk Square.
Point Breeze is the most expensive neighborhood in this analysis, but its one-bedroom listing average of $1,350 is still below the citywide median. It also has the highest Walk Score (89) of the five and the shortest estimated commute to Center City. Its two-bedroom listings currently average higher — around $1,729, above the citywide median — so budget accordingly if you need the extra room.
Here you'll find the classic brick rowhomes South Philadelphia is known for, with easy access to grocery stores for daily errands. It's walking distance from local shops and restaurants on Passyunk Avenue, with nearby green spaces like Columbus Square Park and Wharton Square Park. Access to the Broad Street Line depends on how close your building is to Broad Street; you can reach the SEPTA rail in under 5 minutes in eastern Point Breeze, but expect a longer walk the further west you go.
Pros
Consider before renting
A common affordability guideline is to spend no more than 30% of gross income on rent. Using that formula: required annual income = monthly rent × 12 ÷ 0.30. The figures below use each neighborhood's current one-bedroom listing average, so they'll shift as rents do.
|Neighborhood and apartment size|Monthly rent (1BR listing avg)|Annual income at the 30% threshold| |Frankford 1BR|$1,028|$41,120| |Olney 1BR|$1,100|$44,000| |West Oak Lane 1BR|$1,175|$47,000| |Mayfair 1BR|$1,295|$51,800| |Point Breeze 1BR|$1,350|$54,000| |Philadelphia citywide median (all sizes)|$1,447|$57,880|
An annual income of roughly $41,000 to $44,000 is a useful starting range for the lowest-cost areas, particularly Frankford and Olney. Using a strict 30% calculation, Mayfair requires at least $51,800 and Point Breeze $54,000. These figures cover rent only; utilities, transportation, debt payments, groceries, childcare, and other expenses may require more. To pressure-test a specific budget, run the numbers through our Rent Calculator and Cost of Living Calculator.
Set rent alerts on Apartment List. Take the Apartment List quiz and turn on email notifications so when a new listing matches your budget, you get a head start.
Research the exact block. Neighborhood-wide safety grades cannot tell you everything about a specific address. Review recent block-level crime reports on the PPD crime map, visit during the day and evening, and test the walk to your SEPTA stop before signing.
Shop during the winter. Philadelphia rents typically drop 3% to 5% from November through January, when demand slows and some landlords offer incentives to fill winter vacancies.
Once you've narrowed this list to two or three neighborhoods that fit your budget and commute, compare current Apartment List listings—which is also where you'll see up-to-date rents—then test the commute with the SEPTA planner and review conditions around the specific address before you apply.
Among the five in this analysis, Olney is the one neighborhood whose third-party safety grade (CrimeGrade.org) sits above the citywide average; the other four grade on par with it. Its one-bedroom listings currently average around $1,100. Safety still varies by block, so review recent incidents near any specific property.
An annual income of roughly $41,000 to $44,000 is a useful starting range for the lowest-cost areas, particularly Frankford and Olney. Using a strict 30% calculation, Mayfair requires at least $51,800 and Point Breeze $54,000.
Rents drop 3% to 5% from November through January, when demand slows and landlords offer incentives to fill winter vacancies.
Most apartments in Philly don't include utilities, but some newer buildings may include water or gas. Always verify what's covered with the landlord before signing a lease.
When renters ask about "average" rent, the more useful figure is the median, which Apartment List reports. As of August 2026, Philadelphia's citywide median rent is $1,447 across all unit sizes, and the median 1BR rent is $1,323. A simple average runs higher—around $2,092 for a 1BR—because a few luxury rentals pull it up.
Don't rule out a whole neighborhood based on its name or reputation. Check the PPD crime map for recent crime rates, visit during the day and at night, and speak with local residents before signing a lease.
In unit laundry, Patio / balcony, Pet friendly, Stainless steel, Walk in closets, Gym + more
In unit laundry, Hardwood floors, Dishwasher, 24hr maintenance, Stainless steel, Walk in closets + more
