6 Cheapest Philadelphia Neighborhoods to Rent in 2025

Philadelphia’s average rent in 2025 is $2,195, but some neighborhoods still offer one- and two-bedroom apartments for under $1,500, without sacrificing location or livability. Whether you're a student or a remote worker, or you’re simply trying to stretch your budget, Apartment List makes it easy to find the cheapest neighborhood in Philadelphia that matches your needs.

This guide is based on verified 2025 rent data and spotlights the six most affordable areas across the city. We’ll break down average rents, safety grades, and commute times. Plus, we’ll give you smart tips to help you save even more on your next lease. Ready to find the best deal in Philly? Let’s get started.

How We Picked the Cheapest Neighborhoods in Philadelphia

Apartment List’s methodology combines rent data, livability factors, and safety filters to surface the most affordable and practical neighborhoods for renters.

Data Sources and Median-Rent Benchmarks

• Sources used: Apartment List internal listings (July 2025), Rent.com, and U.S. Census ACS 5-year estimates
• Definition of rent: We use "median rent"—the midpoint of all listings, where half cost more and half cost less.
• Inflation-adjusted: All figures reflect real 2025 dollars, adjusted for inflation.

Affordability, Safety, and Supply Filters

• Affordability threshold: Neighborhoods must have a median rent at least 15% below Philadelphia’s citywide median.
• Safety minimum: Violent crime rates must fall at or below the Philadelphia average, based on PPD’s open-data dashboard.
• Supply check: Each neighborhood must report at least 50 active rental listings monthly to ensure meaningful inventory and availability.

Cheapest Neighborhoods in Philadelphia

Below are the six most affordable neighborhoods in Philadelphia, ranked based on average rent, rent-to-income ratio, and safety score.

Frankford

• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,001
• Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,310
• Walk score: 75
• Transit score: 78
• Bike score: 60
• Safety score: Average
• Map of Frankford

What makes Frankford stand out: Lowest average rent and strong transit access, despite an average safety score.

Frankford is Philly’s most budget-friendly neighborhood in 2025, with one-bedroom rents averaging just $1,001. 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 transit convenience and affordability, though safety scores remain average.

Frankford isn’t polished, but it’s practical, especially for renters who prioritize budget over amenities.

Tioga

• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $974
• Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,482
• Walk score: 78
• Transit score: 80
• Bike score: 56
• Safety score: Below average
• Map of Tioga

What makes Tioga stand out: Lowest average rent of any Philadelphia neighborhood and excellent transit, but safety score brings it down a notch.

Tioga has the lowest average rent in the city at just $974 for a one-bedroom, making it a go-to for renters on a tight budget. Located in North Philadelphia, it benefits from excellent transit access thanks to the Broad Street Line and frequent bus service.

Most buildings are older, with walk-ups and duplexes lining quiet blocks. Despite its affordability and accessibility, Tioga ranks lowest in safety, which is something renters should consider when evaluating the area. Still, for students, gig workers, or young renters trying to stay below the 30% income threshold, Tioga offers value that’s hard to match. Proximity to Temple Hospital and low-cost living make it a potential option for healthcare workers and commuters.

Olney

• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,075
• Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,270
• Walk score: 79
• Transit score: 69
• Bike score: 61
• Safety score: Above average
• Map of Olney

What makes Olney stand out: Solid rent , above-average safety rating, and high transit access.

Olney delivers solid value for renters, with average one-bedroom rents hovering around $1,075 and an above-average safety grade. 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, providing easy access to SEPTA bus and metro lines. Housing ranges from compact apartments to classic Philly row homes, making it a flexible option for both singles and families.

It’s not trendy or flashy, but if you want affordability, safety, and reliable transit, Olney checks the key boxes.

Mayfair

• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,163
• Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,473
• Walk score: 78
• Transit score: 66
• Bike score: 58
• Safety score: Average
• Map of Mayfair

What makes Mayfair stand out: Moderate rent , solid transit scores, and walkability.

Mayfair offers suburban peace without leaving the city limits. With one-bedroom rents averaging $1,163, it’s one of the cheapest neighborhoods in Northeast Philly. Renters enjoy tidy blocks, mom-and-pop diners, and a residential feel that’s popular with longtime locals.

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 off-street parking. The safety score is middling, so renters may want to research individual blocks before committing. Still, if you’re looking for low rent in a calmer, family-oriented neighborhood, Mayfair is worth a look.

West Oak Lane

• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,174
• Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,346
• Walk score: 74
• Transit score: 60
• Bike score: 61
• Safety score: Above average
• Map of West Oak Lane

What makes West Oak Lane stand out: Slightly higher rent with a good safety rating.

With an average one-bedroom rent of $1,174 and an above-average safety score, West Oak Lane offers solid value in a residential setting. Located in Northwest Philadelphia, it’s known for tree-lined streets, quiet neighborhoods, and a suburban atmosphere. The area features a mix of brick townhomes and small apartment buildings, many of which have driveways or garages.

Public transit is decent, with multiple bus routes running through the area and connections to nearby Broad Street Line stations. West Oak Lane isn’t walkable in the traditional urban sense, but its calm pace and affordability appeal to families, retirees, and renters who prioritize space over nightlife. For those looking to avoid Center City prices without sacrificing comfort, it’s a smart pick.

Manayunk

• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,284
• Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment: $1,485
• Walk score: 81
• Transit score: 54
• Bike score: 51
• Safety score: Above average
• Map of Manayunk

What makes Manayunk stand out: Highest rent on the list, but strongest safety rating and walkability.

The last neighborhood on our list of affordable Philly neighborhoods is Manayunk, with an average one-bedroom rent of $1,284. What you get in return, however, is great walkability, safety, and charm. This Northwest Philly neighborhood is perched along the Schuylkill River and known for its cobblestone main street filled with cafés, boutiques, and bars.

Manayunk is one of the few affordable areas with a relatively high safety score, making it popular with young professionals, students, and small families. The Wissahickon train station connects you to Center City in under 30 minutes, and the adjacent trails are a major bonus for runners and cyclists. The hilly terrain isn’t ideal for biking, and parking can be tight, but Manayunk strikes a better balance between affordability and livability than most.

Smart Ways to Find an Affordable Apartment

Set rent alerts on Apartment List

Create a free Apartment List profile and set your max-rent filter (we recommend starting with $1,200). You’ll get instant SMS or email notifications when a new listing matches your budget, giving you a head start before the competition clicks in.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest safe neighborhood in Philadelphia?

Olney combines a low average one-bedroom rent of $1,075 with an above-average safety score, making it one of the city’s most affordable and stable options for 2025.

How much do I need to earn to live in the cheapest areas?

A yearly income of $38,000 to $45,000 keeps rent-to-income ratios under 30% in Frankford, Tioga, Olney, and Mayfair.

When is the best time of year to find lower rents in Philly?

Rents drop 3% to 5% from November through January, when demand slows and landlords offer incentives to fill winter vacancies.

Are utilities typically included in low-cost rentals in Philadelphia?

Most affordable rentals are plus utilities, though older buildings—especially duplexes and row homes—may include water or gas. Always verify what's covered before signing a lease.