{"id":25303,"date":"2026-07-16T18:38:48","date_gmt":"2026-07-16T13:08:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/blog\/?p=25303"},"modified":"2026-07-16T18:38:59","modified_gmt":"2026-07-16T13:08:59","slug":"students-cost-of-living-in-philadelphia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/blog\/student-finances\/students-cost-of-living-in-philadelphia\/","title":{"rendered":"Cost of Living in Philadelphia for Students: 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Perfect for students who love history and food, Philadelphia has several vibrant, walkable\u00a0neighbourhoods\u00a0that are ideal for residents. In addition, the\u00a0<em>cost of living in Philadelphia ranges from $1,200\u2013$2,000\/month,<\/em>\u00a0making it 56% cheaper than\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/blog\/student-finances\/students-cost-of-living-in-new-york\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" title=\"New York\u2019s cost of living\"><strong>New York\u2019s cost of living<\/strong><\/a>. That is why, in this comprehensive guide, we are going to talk about monthly expenses, including food, transport, utilities, and tips to find the best student\u00a0apartment\u00a0in Philadelphia for international students.\u00a0Let\u2019s\u00a0get into it!\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Average Monthly Cost of Living in\u00a0Philadelphia\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Managing your budget in the City of Independence depends entirely on your lifestyle choices. But when you are closely into it, the cost of living in Philadelphia typically ranges from $1,200 to $2,000\/month, with rent being the largest expense. Now, for\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/country\/united-states\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" title=\"student housing USA\"><strong>student housing USA<\/strong><\/a>, choosing a private studio apartment offers maximum privacy, but it comes\u00a0with\u00a0a\u00a0cost\u00a0of living\u00a0in Philadelphia. On the other hand, shared rooms help keep your expenses low and free up money for social activities. Furthermore, your daily habits also affect your\u00a0spending.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Below is the monthly cost\u00a0of living in Philadelphia\u00a0breakdown for students:<\/em>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"ul-table-wrap\"><figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><div class=\"ul-table-wrap\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\" style=\"table-layout:fixed;width:100%;\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Expense Category<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td><td><strong>Price Range<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Rent\u00a0<\/td><td>$650- $1,100\u00a0<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Food &amp; Groceries\u00a0<\/td><td>$230- $350\u00a0<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Transportation\u00a0<\/td><td>$96- $110\u00a0<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Utilities\u00a0<\/td><td>$100- $160\u00a0<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Internet &amp; Mobile\u00a0<\/td><td>$44- $80\u00a0<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Entertainment\u00a0<\/td><td>$50- $130\u00a0<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Health &amp; Insurance\u00a0<\/td><td>$30- $70\u00a0<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Total Estimated Cost<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td><td><strong>$1,200- $2,000<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Student Housing Costs in\u00a0Philadelphia\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Student\u00a0rooms in\u00a0Philadelphia can significantly shape your finances. It is known for taking 55% of your total student budget. Furthermore, if you choose a place that falls under the best areas to live in the city, such as University City or Centre City, your housing prices will be higher. In addition, your room type also affects\u00a0the\u00a0cost of living in Philadelphia. That is why people need to understand\u00a0different types\u00a0of\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/united-states\/city\/philadelphia\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" title=\"student housing in Philadelphia\"><strong>student housing in Philadelphia<\/strong><\/a>.\u00a0Let\u2019s\u00a0learn about them.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Types of Student Housing in\u00a0Philadelphia\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Walking through the aesthetic, vibrant streets of Philadelphia, your choice of accommodation sets the tone for your life in this part of the American city. The right\u00a0student\u00a0apartment\u00a0ensures a smooth landing, with\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/united-states\/state\/pennsylvania\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" title=\"student housing Pennsylvania\"><strong>student housing Pennsylvania<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0options to suit every type of learner:\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>PBSA<\/strong>: These are modern complexes built specifically with students in mind. Following an\u00a0<strong>all-inclusive model<\/strong>, it bundles the bills of high-speed Wi-Fi, water, heating, gas, and electricity in one monthly payment. Featuring amenities such as 24\/7 security, gyms, social lounges, and more to\u00a0facilitate\u00a0easy community building, their costs usually range from $700 to $1,600 per month.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Studio Rooms<\/strong>: These are private, self-contained spaces with a personal bed, kitchenette, and bathroom. If you want to focus on your studies and solitude,\u00a0this\u00a0is for you.\u00a0 One can easily rent them for between $1,200 to $1,900 per month.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Ensuite Rooms<\/strong>: In here, one will get a private bedroom with an attached bathroom while sharing a kitchen and living space with other\u00a0flatmates. They provide an easy balance between privacy and affordability.\u00a0Their prices usually range between $900 to $1,300 per month.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Shared Apartments<\/strong>: As one of the budget-friendly options, they are ideal for students who love\u00a0socialising\u00a0and\u00a0don\u2019t\u00a0mind sharing. They are the lowest-cost option in which one will share everything from the bathroom and bedroom to the kitchen and living areas. This one ranges between $650 to $900 per month.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Private Apartments<\/strong>: These are traditional flats that offer full independence and a sense of local life. Consisting of a bedroom, bathroom,\u00a0kitchen\u00a0and living area, they do not include utilities in the rent. But with the level of freedom and privacy it provides, it all becomes worth it. They range from $1,300 to more than $2,200 per month.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Best Student Areas to Live in\u00a0Philadelphia\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Deciding on where to live in Philadelphia as a student sets the pace for your studies, social life, and finances. Each area here has its own vibe and caters to different students. From lively and budget-friendly student\u00a0neighbourhoods\u00a0to premium living experiences, picking the right rooms is all about balance:\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Budget-Friendly Areas\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>North Central Philadelphia<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Average Rent:<\/strong>\u00a0Its prices range between $550 to $850 per month.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Nearby Unis:<\/strong>\u00a0It is super close to Temple University\u2019s Main Campus.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Transportation:<\/strong>\u00a0One can easily travel by Broad Street subway Lines and local SEPTA buses here.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Student Vibe:<\/strong>\u00a0This area is energetic and\u00a0student-focused. You will often find universities holding campus events and sports festivals here.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Powelton Village<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Average Rent:<\/strong>\u00a0The rent here usually ranges between $500 to $800 per month.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Nearby Unis:<\/strong>\u00a0It is near Drexel University and the University of Pennsylvania.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Transportation:<\/strong>\u00a0Walkable, Market-Frankford Line, local trolleys\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Student Vibe:<\/strong>\u00a0While here, one will always find themselves surrounded by historic, artsy, and relaxed community vibes.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Mid-Range Student Areas\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Spruce Hill<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Average Rent:<\/strong>\u00a0The rent here ranges from $600 to $1,100 per month.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Nearby Unis:<\/strong>\u00a0You will find some of the top universities, such as the University of Pennsylvania and Saint Joseph\u2019s University (University City Campus), around.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Transportation:<\/strong>\u00a0From here, students can easily take the green line\u00a0trolley\u00a0to\u00a0downtown.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Student Vibe:<\/strong>\u00a0It is known for its scenic,\u00a0multicultural\u00a0and tree-lined streets. Featuring amazing coffee shops and international eateries, it has a strong postgraduate presence.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Callowhill (The Loft District)<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Average Rent:<\/strong>\u00a0Their rents range between $800 to $1,300 per month\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Nearby Unis:<\/strong>\u00a0It is close to Community College of Philadelphia and Drexel University (Center City).\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Transportation:<\/strong>\u00a0As a compact town, it is walkable, especially near Spring Garden subway station\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Student Vibe:<\/strong>\u00a0It offers trendy, industrial-chic lofts, several art galleries, underground music venues, and microbreweries.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Premium Student Neighborhoods\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>University City<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Average Rent:<\/strong>\u00a0$1,200 to more than $2,252 per month\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Nearby Unis:<\/strong>\u00a0It is close to the University of Pennsylvania, Drexel University and Saint Joseph\u2019s University (University City Campus).\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Transportation: It features\u00a0<strong>regional rail, subway, trolley, bus, and bike-share options<\/strong>.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Student Vibe:<\/strong>\u00a0With a fast-paced, tech-focused academic environment, students here make up 40%+ of the community.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Center City<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Average Rent:<\/strong>\u00a0The rent here ranges between $1,500 to more than $2,479 per month.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Nearby Unis:<\/strong>\u00a0It is surrounded by universities, including Thomas Jefferson University and Temple University Centre City Campus.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Transportation:<\/strong>\u00a0Hub of all subway lines, regional rails, and buses.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Student Vibe:<\/strong>\u00a0It offers upscale, metropolitan, high-end dining and shopping, and provides immediate access to corporate internships.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Popular Student\u00a0Flats in\u00a0Philadelphia\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Having your own place to live in a new city is an exciting milestone for every international student. With more than 54,000 students already living in the\u00a0city, the competition for rentals here is quite high. Below are the top five\u00a0student rooms in\u00a0Philadelphia options that are ideal for first-year students:\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/united-states\/philadelphia\/property\/university-village\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" title=\"University Village\">University Village<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Starting from:<\/strong>\u00a0The rent here starts\u00a0from\u00a0$479 per month.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Room Types:<\/strong>\u00a0It provides shared rooms with\u00a02 to 4 bedroom\u00a0layouts\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Best For:\u00a0<\/strong>Students who like to have an active lifestyle near North Philly\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Nearby Universities:<\/strong>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/united-states\/philadelphia\/u\/temple-university\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" title=\"Temple University\"><strong>Temple University<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0is a 5-minute walk, and Drexel University is 15 minutes by subway.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Key Amenities:<\/strong>\u00a0It offers a 24-hour fitness\u00a0centre, an outdoor basketball court, cinema rooms, and secure lockers.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/united-states\/philadelphia\/property\/university-crossings\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" title=\"University Crossings\">University Crossings<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Starting from:\u00a0<\/strong>Rent starts at\u00a0$709 per month.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Room Types:<\/strong>\u00a0It offers shared bedrooms and multi-bedroom apartments\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Best For:<\/strong>\u00a0Students who want to focus on their career rather than utility bills, as rents here are\u00a0all-inclusive.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Nearby Universities:<\/strong>\u00a04 minutes\u2019 walk from\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/united-states\/philadelphia\/u\/drexel-university\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" title=\"Drexel University\"><strong>Drexel University<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0and 12 minutes\u2019 walk from the University of Pennsylvania.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Key Amenities:<\/strong>\u00a0Billiards, ping-pong table, entertainment room, hardwood floors, group study\u00a0rooms\u00a0and laundry.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/united-states\/philadelphia\/property\/the-summit-at-university-city\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" title=\"The Summit at University City\">The Summit at University City<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Starting from:<\/strong>\u00a0$924 per month.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Room Types:<\/strong>\u00a0Offers Luxury shared apartments with 1\u20134 bedrooms.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Best For:<\/strong>\u00a0Students who like posh and high-rise living.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Nearby Universities:<\/strong>\u00a0It is just 10 minutes from the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/united-states\/philadelphia\/u\/university-of-pennsylvania\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" title=\"University of Pennsylvania\"><strong>University of Pennsylvania<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0and a 3-minute drive from Drexel University.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Key Amenities:<\/strong>\u00a0It provides a sky lounge, a fully fitted kitchen, a courtyard, a sun deck, a BBQ, and a washer and dryer.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/united-states\/philadelphia\/property\/chestnut-square\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" title=\"Chestnut Square\">Chestnut Square<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Starting from:<\/strong>\u00a0The rent starts from $989 per month\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Room Types:<\/strong>\u00a0They offer shared apartments with 2-3 bedrooms each.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Best For:<\/strong>\u00a0Students who like independence and want community living.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Nearby Universities:<\/strong>\u00a0It is an 8-minute walk from the University of Pennsylvania and 15 minutes by subway from\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/united-states\/philadelphia\/u\/thomas-jefferson-university\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" title=\"Thomas Jefferson University\"><strong>Thomas Jefferson University<\/strong><\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Key Amenities:<\/strong>\u00a024-hour fitness\u00a0centre, billiards, blinds, fully fitted kitchen, onsite\u00a0management\u00a0and trash disposal.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/united-states\/philadelphia\/property\/eleanor-at-chestnut\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" title=\"The Eleanor at Chestnut\">The Eleanor at Chestnut<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Starting from:<\/strong>\u00a0The rent here starts at $799\/month.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Room Types:<\/strong>\u00a0It provides 2\u20133 bedroom fully-furnished apartments\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Best For:<\/strong>\u00a0International students who prefer secure areas and seek\u00a0a home-like comfort.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Nearby Universities:<\/strong>\u00a0Just 10 minutes from the University of Pennsylvania and 6 minutes by bike from Drexel University.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Key Amenities:<\/strong>\u00a0Hardwood floors, onsite smart laundry, a fully fitted kitchen, and roommate-matching services are available here.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>Compare verified Philadelphia\u00a0residences\u00a0with University Living to unlock exclusive deals!<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Food &amp; Grocery Costs in\u00a0Philadelphia\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Walking through different grocery aisles in Pennsylvania can feel\u00a0tricky but\u00a0managing it well will keep your budget healthy. And if you look closely, grocery prices here are\u00a0roughly 3%\u00a0above the national average.\u00a0So, it has become really important for people to cook at home.\u00a0This helps in reducing monthly expenses up to $200 compared to eating out.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In addition to this, one can do extra savings by avoiding premium stores and shopping at markets like Aldi, Trader Joe\u2019s, or Lidl. You can also use Student Beans for digital coupons, Groupon vouchers, or apps like Too Good\u00a0To\u00a0Go to grab surplus meals from Reading Terminal Market for just $4.99 instead of $15.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Below is the breakdown of monthly food expenses:<\/em>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"ul-table-wrap\"><figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><div class=\"ul-table-wrap\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\" style=\"table-layout:fixed;width:100%;\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Expense Type<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td><td><strong>Average Monthly Cost<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Grocery Shopping (Home Cooking)\u00a0<\/td><td>$250 \u2013 $350\u00a0<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Eating Out (Food Trucks &amp; Diners)\u00a0<\/td><td>$80 \u2013 $150\u00a0<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Food Delivery (UberEats\u00a0\/ DoorDash)\u00a0<\/td><td>$40 \u2013 $100\u00a0<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Total Food Budget<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td><td>$370 \u2013 $600\u00a0<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Transportation Costs in\u00a0Philadelphia\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Philadelphia is considered a compact city where traveling without a car is easy. It\u00a0has got\u00a0several mediums through which transit has become simple including subways, buses, and trolleys. And if you want to save more than living near the campus is the best solution. You can easily walk or cycle using Indego bike-share stations to reduce your\u00a0cost of living\u00a0in Philadelphia for students.\u00a0Their\u00a0single ride costs around $2.00, but with the help of SEPTA Key card, you can easily cut the bills around 10%. Late-night trips or winter rideshares are reliable, but they can add up. Below is the breakdown of monthly transportation costs:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"ul-table-wrap\"><figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><div class=\"ul-table-wrap\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\" style=\"table-layout:fixed;width:100%;\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Mode of Transport<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td><td><strong>Average Monthly Cost<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Student Travel Pass (SEPTA University Pass)\u00a0<\/td><td>$86 \u2013 $96\u00a0<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Public Transport (Single Token\/Key Card Rides)\u00a0<\/td><td>$40 \u2013 $60\u00a0<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Cycling (Indego Bike Share Membership)\u00a0<\/td><td>$5 \u2013 $20\u00a0<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Taxi \/ Rideshare (Uber or Lyft Trips)\u00a0<\/td><td>$40 \u2013 $90\u00a0<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Total Transport Budget<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td><td>$131 \u2013 $206\u00a0<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>Book your airport pickup today with the help of\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/ulinfinity.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" title=\"ULInfinity\"><strong><em>ULInfinity<\/em><\/strong><\/a><strong><em>\u00a0and secure best student housing near the city\u2019s transportation routes.<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Utility, Internet &amp; Mobile Expenses in\u00a0Philadelphia\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to recent surveys, utilities in Philadelphia are around 12% higher than the national average. That is why it is considered important for students to do energy planning. As for the students coming from abroad, keeping their apartment powered and connected is essential. In private rentals,\u00a0cost of living\u00a0in Philadelphia\u00a0include\u00a0electricity and winter heating bills that can be paid through PECO, along with municipal water fees.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One can also simplify budgeting by choosing all-inclusive student\u00a0housing,\u00a0which can\u00a0roughly save\u00a0$150 monthly on hidden costs. And for seamless connectivity, an international SIM via\u00a0ULInfinity\u00a0is important. This ensures high speed Wi-Fi and mobile data from day one.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Following table breaks down the monthly utility costs:<\/em>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"ul-table-wrap\"><figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><div class=\"ul-table-wrap\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\" style=\"table-layout:fixed;width:100%;\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Expense Type<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td><td><strong>Average Monthly Cost<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Electricity &amp; Heating\u00a0<\/td><td>$100 \u2013 $160\u00a0<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Water\u00a0<\/td><td>$30 \u2013 $45\u00a0<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Internet (High-Speed Wi-Fi Broadband)\u00a0<\/td><td>$45 \u2013 $70\u00a0<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Mobile Plan (Unlimited Talk\/Data\u00a0eSIM)\u00a0<\/td><td>$30 \u2013 $55\u00a0<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Total Utility Budget<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td><td>$205 \u2013 $330\u00a0<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>Stay in connection abroad via international SIM plans and pre-activated data plans through UL Infinity.<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Part-Time Jobs &amp; Student Income in\u00a0Philadelphia\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While\u00a0in America, you will often find students working part-time. As for Philadelphia, students on the F-1 visa can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and up to\u00a048 hours\u00a0during university breaks. This helps\u00a0people in managing\u00a0their\u00a0income here and also provides extra money that can be used to explore the city. While the minimum wage here is $7.25, students can typically earn $13\u2013$08\/house. Working 20 hours a week can generate $1,040\u2013$1,440 monthly. This can significantly reduce monthly expenses.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>Below is the student income\u00a0potential\u00a0in Philadelphia:<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"ul-table-wrap\"><figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><div class=\"ul-table-wrap\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\" style=\"table-layout:fixed;width:100%;\"><tbody><tr><td>Retail (Bookstores, Clothing Shops)\u00a0<\/td><td>$13.50 \u2013 $16.00\u00a0<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Hospitality (Baristas, Cafes, Diners)\u00a0<\/td><td>$12.00 \u2013 $15.00 + tips\u00a0<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Campus Jobs (Peer Tutor, Desk Assistant)\u00a0<\/td><td>$14.00 \u2013 $18.00\u00a0<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Delivery \/ Freelance (Authorized Roles)\u00a0<\/td><td>$15.00 \u2013 $20.00\u00a0<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Hidden Costs Students Often Miss in\u00a0Philadelphia\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As an international student, starting your life in Philadelphia comes with several upfront costs. And if you look deeply,\u00a0student\u00a0face $2,500 in\u00a0initial\u00a0expenses beyond rent. Some of the key costs here include\u00a0beddings\u00a0and linens. One can easily manage this by ordering UL\u00a0nfinity\u00a0Room Essential Kit. This ensures that everything here is ready on day one without heavy packing.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Another expense category here includes mandatory visa fees and university health insurance. According to recent surveys, they have increased\u00a0nearly 6%\u00a0from last year. Other than this there are rental deposits, forex services, card-operated laundry, textbooks, and an emergency fund. Following are the estimated upfront hidden costs:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"ul-table-wrap\"><figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><div class=\"ul-table-wrap\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\" style=\"table-layout:fixed;width:100%;\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Expense Type<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td><td><strong>Estimated Cost (USD)<\/strong>\u00a0<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Setup Costs (Bedding, Linens, Cookware)\u00a0<\/td><td>$150 \u2013 $300\u00a0<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Visa Fees (SEVIS &amp; Visa Application Fees)\u00a0<\/td><td>$510\u00a0<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Insurance (Mandatory University Health Plan)\u00a0<\/td><td>$1,500 \u2013 $3,500 \/ year\u00a0<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Emergency Fund (Recommended Safety Buffer)\u00a0<\/td><td>$500 \u2013 $1,000\u00a0<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>Protect yourself internationally with\u00a0ULInfinity\u00a0services such as Forex, Health Insurance, and Travel Insurance and move to US stress-free!<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Smart Ways to Reduce Living Costs in\u00a0Philadelphia\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Thriving in Philadelphia on a budget\u00a0doesn\u2019t\u00a0necessarily\u00a0mean\u00a0that you will be\u00a0missing out on\u00a0student life. It just requires you to do smart planning. And you can easily do that by making choices like:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Going for all-inclusive accommodation: PBSA\u2019s are known for adding utilities\u00a0in\u00a0the rent itself. This helps one prevent fluctuating rental\u00a0price.\u00a0Other\u00a0than this, booking your place 5-6 months before the semester starts can get you early bird rates.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"2\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Choose shared housing: Opting for a shared room instead of studios can cut the\u00a0bring\u00a0the\u00a0accommodation cost to half.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"3\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Living near campus: Walking or biking to classes can help you in\u00a0eliminating\u00a0commuting costs. It also allows one to give free access to\u00a0the university\u00a0shuttle network.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"4\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Go for meal prepping: Going\u00a0for\u00a0supermarkets such as Aldi or Trader Joe\u2019s and cooking at home can help you save a lot.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>These strategies help\u00a0you in enjoying\u00a0student life while keeping your cost of living\u00a0in Philadelphia\u00a0under control.<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Is\u00a0Philadelphia\u00a0Affordable for International Students?\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Philadelphia is known for offering a great balance between research opportunities and affordable living. Thus, making it a perfect choice for people who love culture and are pragmatic learners. Data also shows that the cost of living in Philadelphia is\u00a0roughly 43%\u00a0lower than in New York and 28% cheaper than in\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/blog\/student-finances\/student-cost-of-living-in-boston\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" title=\"Boston\"><strong>Boston<\/strong><\/a>. There are students out here who can live comfortably here on $1,200 to $1,400 per month by choosing shared flats.\u00a0While\u00a0those who want to live in studios in\u00a0Philadelphia\u00a0has\u00a0observed\u00a0a rise in\u00a0their\u00a0monthly cost of living. Overall, Philadelphia easily merges rich American heritage with world class unis. Thus, providing international students with both affordable and enriching experience.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Conclusion\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Managing expenses in Philadelphia is easy with the help of careful budgeting and choosing the right type of housing early on.\u00a0Since accommodation is going to be your largest and fixed cost, selecting the right space for yourself can help you in having a smooth academic experience. And for that,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" title=\"University Living\"><strong>University Living<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0can help you find safe, fully verified and budget-friendly properties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"faq-question-1784206887232\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">What is the cheapest type of student\u00a0apartments\u00a0in\u00a0Philadelphia?\u00a0\u00a0<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Shared apartments are\u00a0considered as\u00a0the most affordable\u00a0student\u00a0rooms in\u00a0Philadelphia. This allows students to split rent with others. Their costs usually range between\u00a0<strong>$479-\u00a0$800\/month<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1784206906346\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">How much do students spend on food and groceries in\u00a0Philadelphia?\u00a0\u00a0<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Generally, home\u00a0cooked groceries can cost around\u00a0<strong>$250-$450\/month<\/strong>\u00a0at budgeted\u00a0supermarkets like\u00a0<strong>Aldi<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<strong>Trader Joe\u2019s<\/strong>.\u00a0And if you include occasional dining\u00a0out\u00a0then it can raise the total to\u00a0<strong>$370-$600\/month<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1784206921298\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Is public transportation affordable for students in\u00a0Philadelphia?\u00a0\u00a0<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Philadelphia\u2019s SEPTA system is considered cheap and walkable. One single ride here cost between\u00a0<strong>$2-$2.50. And students can use University Pass (U-Pass) for semester long travel. One can also use campus shuttles for free to travel.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1784206933998\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Can international students work part-time while studying in\u00a0Philadelphia?\u00a0\u00a0<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Students who are on\u00a0an F-1 visa can work up to 20 hours\/week during term time and\u00a040 hours\u00a0during breaks.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1784206948622\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Which student\u00a0housing\u00a0option\u00a0is best for international students in\u00a0Philadelphia?\u00a0<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>PBSA\u2019s are considered the best option as they are fully furnished and follow an all-inclusive rental system. Other than that, they also\u00a0come up\u00a0with\u00a0amenities such as\u00a0gyms, courtyards, laundry, cinema\u00a0rooms,\u00a0and many others.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Perfect for students who love history and food, Philadelphia has several vibrant, walkable\u00a0neighbourhoods\u00a0that are ideal for residents. In addition, the\u00a0cost of living in Philadelphia ranges from $1,200\u2013$2,000\/month,\u00a0making it 56% cheaper than\u00a0New York\u2019s cost of living. That is why, in this comprehensive guide, we are going to talk about monthly expenses, including food, transport, utilities, and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":25304,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[975],"tags":[1104,1027,994],"class_list":["post-25303","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-student-finances","tag-pennsylvania","tag-philadelphia","tag-united-states"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25303","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=25303"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25303\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":25305,"href":"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25303\/revisions\/25305"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/25304"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=25303"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=25303"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.universityliving.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=25303"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}