Student Housing in Philadelphia

The average cost of living in Philadelphia is around $2,800-$2,900/month, covering student apartments in Philadelphia, PA, food, utilities, and more. It is rougly 7%-14% higher than the national average, but is significantly more affordable than New York or DC. Understanding your living expenses is the first step to a great student life. A smart budget helps you stay in control and enjoy a stress-free experience. The following is the cost of living in Philadelphia:

1. Student apartments in Philadelphia: The student rentals are about $479-$10,800 per month. Most of our housing includes bills. 
2. Food: $300-$450/month
3. Transport: $100-$130/month (including SEPTA passes)
4. Utilities: $150-$200/month (including internet)
5. Clothing: $50-$100/month 
6. Sport & Leisure: $70-$120/month  

Philadelphia is a city steeped in history and culture, renowned for its rich academic environment. Home of the University of Pennsylvania, Drexel University, and Temple University, it's a place where students from all over the world come to pursue their dreams and shape their futures. In addition, Philadelphia student rentals are abundant, making it easy to find an ideal home that balances your studies and personal life. Here are the top universities in Philadelphia, each known for its unique strengths and contributions to education.

1. University of Pennsylvania: Founded by Benjamin Franklin in 1740, the University of Pennsylvania is an Ivy League institution that seamlessly blends tradition with innovation. The University of Pennsylvania ranks 15th in the 2026 QS World University Rankings, proving its status as a world-class institution. It is a top choice for students pursuing degrees in economics, Nursing, Biology, Computer Science, and International Relations.
2. Temple University: Located in North Philadelphia, Temple University is a public research institution known for its diverse student body and strong emphasis on community engagement. Temple University ranks 721-730 in the QS World University Rankings. It is a top choice for students pursuing degrees in Psychology, Biology, Finance, Marketing, and Communication. 
3. Drexel University: Drexel University is a private research university known for its cooperative education (co-op) program, which integrates professional work experiences with academic studies. It is ranked in the 711-720 range in the QS World University Rankings. Known for its career-focused education, the university is highly popular for its programs in Engineering, Business, Computing, Health Sciences, Media Arts, and the Arts and Sciences. 

Philadelphia is a highly walkable city with public transit operated by SEPTA, including subways, buses, trolleys, and regional rail. Whether you're a new student or continuing your studies here, understanding the transport system can help you get around from Philadelphia, PA student rentals. Here are the main modes of transportation in Philadelphia. 

• SEPTA

SEPTA (Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority) is the backbone of Philadelphia's public transport. SEPTA offers an extensive network of buses, trolleys, subways, and regional rail. SEPTA offers student discounts on weekly and monthly passes, so make sure to get your student ID to avail of these savings. The subway system features two main lines: the Market-Frankford Line (Blue Line) and the Broad Street Line (Orange Line). These routes offer a fast and easy way to reach every part of the city. Additionally, the extensive bus system covers all of Philly, with select routes providing 24-hour "Night Owl" service. This ensures you always have a safe and reliable way to get home, no matter the time.

• Biking

Philadelphia is bike-friendly with numerous bike lanes and bike-sharing options:

Indego Bike Share: Affordable and convenient, Indego bikes are available for rent across the city.

Bike Lanes: Safe and well-marked, the bike lanes in Philadelphia make cycling a viable daily transport option.

• Walking

Philadelphia's compact and walkable city centre means many destinations are within a short stroll. Don't forget to explore the city on foot and enjoy its rich architecture and lovely parks from your student rentals in Philadelphia.

• Ride-Sharing and Taxis

Uber, Lyft, and traditional taxis are readily available in Philadelphia. While convenient, they can be pricier than public transport, so consider these for late-night rides or when you’re in a hurry.

Student life in Philadelphia offers an incredible city experience. You can explore must-see museums, enjoy a global food scene, and cheer on famous local sports teams. The city is vibrant, well-connected, and full of life. From our student rentals in Philadelphia, PA, you can easily enjoy these top activities:

• Philadelphia Tourist Places: 
  • Independence Hall: Independence Hall, a cornerstone of American history, is a distinctive spot. Located in Independence National Historical Park, it's just steps from the Liberty Bell Center, making it easy to visit both landmarks.
  • Liberty Bell Center: The Liberty Bell, a 2,000-pound symbol of freedom, is on display at the Liberty Bell Center in Philadelphia. No tickets are required, and access is granted daily on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Philadelphia Zoo: Established in 1859 and opened in 1874, the Philadelphia Zoo is America's first and oldest zoo. Renowned as an animal care organization, educational resource, and advocate for endangered species, it is considered among the best zoos in the U.S.

• Shopping in Philly:
  • Reading Terminal Market: Reading Terminal Market, one of the country's oldest markets, opened in 1893, initially hosting hundreds of merchants selling meat, poultry, fruits, vegetables, and more. Located beneath the Reading Railroad's 1891 train station in Center City, it houses over 70 vendors offering global foods, homemade crafts, and jewellery.
  • Rittenhouse Row: Discover Rittenhouse Row, an iconic district in the heart of Philadelphia, where luxury meets lifestyle. This vibrant area is renowned for its exquisite blend of upscale shopping, gourmet dining, and rich cultural experiences.
  • South Street: South Street is practically synonymous with Philadelphia. Spanning roughly 14 blocks, South Street offers an eclectic array of independent gift shops, boutiques, and thrift stores, many of which are women- and Black-owned.

• Museums in Philly:
  • Philadelphia Museum of Art: This museum is a must-see place if you want to explore the cultural heart of Philadelphia. The museum's highlights include van Gogh's Sunflowers, the world's largest Marcel Duchamp collection, and the only dedicated Rodin Museum outside France.
  • The Franklin Institute: This museum offers fun for all ages, not just kids. Enjoy interactive exhibits like “SportsZone”, explaining the science of surfing and rock climbing, and “Changing Earth”, where you can calculate your carbon footprint. Complete a circuit with your body, observe 3D printers, and explore space at the Fels Planetarium.

Philadelphia is a top-tier historic city, home to the famous Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. Our student apartments in Philadelphia are conveniently located for you to visit these landmarks. Explore these top things to do in Philadelphia from our properties:

• Independence Hall & Liberty Bell Center
• Philadelphia Museum of Art
• Eastern State Penitentiary
• Museum of the American Revolution
• Barnes Foundation
• National Constitution Center
• Franklin Institute
• Betsy Ross House