Average Rent in Philadelphia 2026
The average rent in Philadelphia, PA is $1,600 for a 1-bedroom, $2,000 for a 2-bedroom, and $2,500 for a 3-bedroom apartment in 2026. The cost of living in Philadelphia is 14% above the national average. To afford a 1-bedroom apartment here using the 30% rule, you need an annual income of at least $64,000.
Philadelphia Rent Prices by Bedroom
1 Bedroom
$1,600
per month
2 Bedrooms
$2,000
per month
3 Bedrooms
$2,500
per month
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:
1-Bedroom
$1,600/mo rent
$64,000/yr
2-Bedroom
$2,000/mo rent
$80,000/yr
3-Bedroom
$2,500/mo rent
$100,000/yr
Based on the 30% rule: monthly rent should not exceed 30% of gross monthly income.
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.
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.
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.
Planning to rent in Philadelphia?