The best cities near Philadelphia for renters who want value without sacrificing a short distance to Center City include towns in PA like Lansdowne and Darby, or Jersey towns like Collingswood or Oaklyn. These areas have appeal that renters who want more suburban atmospheres and/or cheaper rents will love—Like Landsdowne, at $1,219, offers walkable charm with excellent trolley access at 25% below Philadelphia prices. Penn Wynne, PA ($1,650) delivers prestigious Main Line schools at Philadelphia-equivalent rent, while Camden, NJ ($1,695) is a cheaper alternative that maintains the urban energy of Philadelphia just a mere 10 minute train away.
Whether you’re looking for more space, better schools, easier parking, or a different neighborhood vibe, the Greater Philadelphia region has solid alternatives. This guide covers eleven cities where renters find value through various combinations of affordability, transit access, walkability, school quality, and community character.
Why live near Philadelphia instead of in the city?
Renters explore cities beyond Philadelphia’s borders for diverse reasons:
More space for your money becomes the primary draw. The same budget that secures a studio in Center City often rents a spacious one or two-bedroom apartment with parking in nearby communities.
Superior schools attract families even when rents match Philadelphia prices. Penn Wynne provides highly-rated Lower Merion schools at comparable costs to Philadelphia neighborhoods with weaker systems.
Transit-oriented lifestyle without urban intensity appeals to professionals wanting car-free living but preferring quieter neighborhoods. Lansdowne, Merchantville, and SEPTA Regional Rail towns offer direct Center City transit while providing tree-lined streets and tight-knit communities.
Parking availability proves invaluable where Philadelphia street parking creates daily frustration. Suburban cities typically include parking with rentals, eliminating $200+ monthly parking costs.
Tax advantages for New Jersey residents can offset higher rents. Pennsylvania residents pay Philadelphia’s wage tax (approximately 3.8%), while New Jersey residents avoid this tax—savings exceeding $2,000-3,000 annually for middle-income workers.
Different pace and community character attracts renters seeking a small-town atmosphere (Merchantville), arts communities (Lansdowne), or family-oriented suburbs (Penn Wynne).
Commute times typically increase 20-40 minutes, though SEPTA’s Regional Rail, trolleys, and buses—plus PATCO Speedline—provide straightforward transit commutes.
What are the best cities near Philadelphia for renters?
These nearby Pennsylvania and New Jersey cities offer diverse value propositions compared to Philadelphia’s $1,635 median rent, with savings ranging from $416 monthly to premiums offset by superior schools or tax benefits. Each provides distinct character and commute options while maintaining reasonable access to Philadelphia’s employment centers, universities, and cultural institutions.
All median rents reflect data from Zumper’s internal analysis across all bedroom counts and rental unit types (studios, 1-bedrooms, 2-bedrooms, houses, condos, apartments) over a 30-day period to provide the most accurate pricing.
| City | Median Rent | vs Philadelphia | Distance | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lansdowne, PA | $1,219 | -$416 (-25%) | 7 miles west | Trolley access, walkability |
| Sharon Hill, PA | $1,325 | -$310 (-19%) | 9 miles southwest | Regional Rail, budget savings |
| Darby, PA | $1,350 | -$285 (-17%) | 7 miles west | Budget-conscious renters |
| Oaklyn, NJ | $1,375 | -$260 (-16%) | 8 miles southeast | NJ tax benefits |
| Merchantville, NJ | $1,595 | -$40 (-2%) | 7 miles east | Small-town charm, PATCO |
| Penn Wynne, PA | $1,650 | +$15 (+1%) | 6 miles northwest | Main Line schools |
| Gloucester City, NJ | $1,850 | +$215 (+13%) | 8 miles southeast | Waterfront access |
| Jenkintown, PA | $1,995 | +$360 (+22%) | 8 miles north | Regional Rail, walkable downtown |
| Ardmore, PA | $1,997 | +$362 (+22%) | 7 miles northwest | Main Line prestige |
| Collingswood, NJ | $2,250 | +$615 (+38%) | 7 miles southeast | Arts scene, PATCO |
| Narberth, PA | $2,395 | +$760 (+47%) | 5 miles northwest | Walkable Main Line suburb |
How much does it cost to rent near Philadelphia?
Philadelphia’s median rent hovers around $1,635, as of early 2026. According to U.S. Census Bureau data, the median household income is approximately $60,521 annually ($5,043 monthly). And while Philadelphia is relatively affordable overall, and has a plethora of neighborhoods to choose from that can accomodate a multitude of budgets, the Greater Philadelphia region is also full of towns with a range of rental prices, (median rents ranging from $1,219 to $2,395), short distances to Center City, and great school quality, and community character.
Using the 30% budgeting guideline (rent shouldn’t exceed 30% of pre-tax monthly income), the typical household can comfortably afford around $1,517 monthly—slightly below the city’s current median. To determine exactly how much you can afford, use Zumper’s rent calculator.
The 11 best towns and cities outside Philly for renters
1. Lansdowne, PA
Lansdowne offers exceptional value at $1,219 median rent—25% below Philadelphia with $416 monthly savings ($4,992 annually). This borough of 11,064 residents is 7 miles west of Center City with excellent SEPTA trolley access via the 101 and 102 lines.
Lansdowne’s walkable downtown features independent shops, restaurants, and the historic 20th Century Theatre. Strong schools and the trolley enable car-free living for Center City commuters. The combination of significant rent savings, excellent transit, walkability, and community character makes Lansdowne one of the region’s best overall values.
Best for: Trolley commuters wanting car-free living; families seeking walkability and schools at budget prices
2. Sharon Hill, PA
Sharon Hill’s $1,325 median rent is 19% below Philadelphia—$310 less monthly ($3,720 annually). This borough of 5,978 residents 9 miles southwest offers SEPTA Regional Rail’s Media/Wawa Line with direct access to University City, Center City, and the airport.
The rent savings combined with Regional Rail access creates value for renters prioritizing budget flexibility and transit convenience.
Best for: Regional Rail commuters to Center City or University City; budget-conscious families
3. Darby, PA
At $1,350 median rent, Darby offers 17% savings—$285 monthly ($3,420 annually). This borough of 10,664 residents sits 7 miles west.
Best for: Budget-focused renters; those prioritizing affordability
4. Oaklyn, NJ
Oaklyn’s $1,375 median rent is 16% below Philadelphia at $260 monthly savings. This borough of 3,934 residents 8 miles southeast of the city is a suburban, family-friendly environment with great access to the city for anyone looking to commute to Philly for work.
Best for: New Jersey residents avoiding Philadelphia wage tax; budget-conscious renters
5. Merchantville, NJ
Merchantville’s $1,595 median rent is just 2% below Philadelphia—only $40 monthly savings. However, this charming borough of 3,815 residents offers value beyond rent numbers. Located 7 miles east, Merchantville residents can hop on the PATCO (local commuter train in South Jersey) at Collingswood or Westmont stations for a 20-minute rides to Center City.
The small town features tree-lined streets, independent businesses, and quick access to the shopping districts in Cherry Hill. For New Jersey residents working in Philadelphia, wage tax savings (approximately 3.8%) might help offset the higher premium.
Best for: Families seeking small-town character; PATCO commuters; New Jersey residents avoiding Philadelphia wage tax
6. Penn Wynne, PA
Penn Wynne offers $1,650 median rent—closely matching Philadelphia’s $1,635 median. The value proposition is access: this Lower Merion Township community of 6,220 residents provides prestigious Main Line character and top-rated schools at Philadelphia-equivalent pricing. Located 6 miles northwest with SEPTA Regional Rail access, it’s a short ride into the city.
Penn Wynne delivers Lower Merion School District—consistently ranked among Pennsylvania’s best—plus walkable neighborhoods, tree-lined streets, and established character. Families typically pay significant premiums for Main Line access.
Best for: Families prioritizing top-rated schools; professionals seeking Main Line character without premium pricing
7. Gloucester City, NJ
Gloucester City’s $1,850 median rent is 13% above Philadelphia. This city of 11,465 residents 8 miles southeast offers waterfront character and Delaware River access.
Best for: NJ residents prioritizing tax savings over rent; budget alternative to pricier South Jersey suburbs
8. Jenkintown, PA
Jenkintown’s $1,995 median rent is 22% above Philadelphia. This borough of 4,708 residents 8 miles north offers SEPTA Regional Rail access with walkable downtown featuring restaurants and shops.
Best for: Regional Rail commuters; professionals seeking walkable suburban areas
9. Ardmore, PA
Ardmore offers $1,997 median rent—22% above Philadelphia. This Main Line community of 14,165 residents 7 miles northwest provides SEPTA Regional Rail access and Main Line prestige with vibrant downtown featuring restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions.
Best for: Main Line character seekers; families prioritizing schools
10. Collingswood, NJ
If you’ve ever seen “Silver Lining’s Playbook” starring Bradley Cooper (or if you read the book), you may be familiar with Collingswood, which served as the setting for a large portion of the movie. Collingswood’s $2,250 median rent is 38% above Philadelphia. This borough of 14,163 residents 7 miles southeast offers PATCO Speedline access with a renowned arts scene. It’s known for its thriving downtown with independent restaurants, boutiques, arts venues, and regular community events, and access to good schools.
Best for: Arts enthusiasts; PATCO commuters; vibrant downtown culture seekers
11. Narberth, PA
Narberth offers $2,395 median rent—47% above Philadelphia. This walkable Main Line borough of 4,482 residents 5 miles northwest provides SEPTA Regional Rail access. Combines Main Line prestige with compact, walkable downtown.
Best for: Walkable Main Line living; high-income professionals; Regional Rail commuters
How to choose where to live near Philadelphia
Commute and transit access should lead your decision. SEPTA Regional Rail, trolleys, and PATCO Speedline eliminate $200+ monthly parking costs and traffic stress. Calculate door-to-door commute times during actual work hours.
Total value equation matters more than rent alone. Penn Wynne offers Main Line schools at Philadelphia prices. Camden’s higher rent is offset by wage tax savings. Lansdowne combines lower rent with walkability and transit. Merchantville trades comparable rent for small-town character.
School quality for families can justify matching Philadelphia rents. Lower Merion schools (Penn Wynne, Narberth, Ardmore) and New Jersey districts offer quality difficult to access in Philadelphia neighborhoods.
Tax considerations for New Jersey suburbs create hidden value. For a worker earning $75,000, this creates approximately $2,850 annual savings—exceeding Camden, Merchantville, or Oaklyn’s rent premiums.
Long-term plans matter. Rent savings accelerate down payment funds. Proximity supports career networking. Superior schools justify family investment.
Frequently asked questions about where to live near Philadelphia
What is the cheapest city near Philadelphia?
Lansdowne, PA at $1,219—25% below Philadelphia’s median with SEPTA trolley access.
Which cities have the best public transit?
Lansdowne (trolley), Sharon Hill (Regional Rail), Collingswood (PATCO), Jenkintown (Regional Rail), and Narberth (Regional Rail) offer the best connectivity.
How much can I save?
Savings range from $40-$416 monthly ($480-$4,992 annually) for more affordable options. Some cities command premiums for their character. Camden’s premium is offset by wage tax savings.
What cities are best for families?
Penn Wynne, Ardmore, and Narberth offer top-rated Main Line schools. Lansdowne and Merchantville provide strong schools with walkable communities at more affordable prices.
Can I live without a car?
Yes. Lansdowne (trolley), Merchantville/Collingswood/Oaklyn (PATCO), and Regional Rail towns offer transit making car-free living viable.
What’s the typical commute time?
PATCO from Camden: 7-10 minutes. Regional Rail from Sharon Hill: 20-30 minutes. Lansdowne trolley: 25-30 minutes.
Which city offers the best value?
Depends on priorities. Lansdowne: savings + walkability + transit. Penn Wynne: Main Line schools at no premium.
Are there tax benefits to New Jersey suburbs?
Yes. New Jersey residents avoid Philadelphia’s wage tax (3.8%), creating roughly $2,850 annual savings for a $75,000 earner.
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