Cost of Living in Philadelphia For Students [April Pricings 2025]

Philadelphia is one of the most vibrant cities in the United States, and it’s no surprise that many students are choosing to make it their home during their studies. However, like any city, the cost of living can be a concern for students. In this blog, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on the cost of living in Philadelphia for students. We will cover everything from the cost of rent and tuition to transportation, food, and entertainment. Whether you’re an international student or a local, this guide will help you budget and plan your expenses accordingly.

Items	Cost of Living in Philadelphia (Monthly)
On Campus Accommodation	$1160
Off-Campus Accommodation	$ 650
Transportation	$ 96
Food Cost	$ 260
Utility Cost	$ 163
Entertainment	$ 56
Groceries	$ 60
Clothes	$ 118
Total Cost of Living with Off-Campus Accommodation	$ 1430
Total Cost of Living with On-Campus Accommodation	$ 1859
Annual Cost of Living	$ 16840

What Is The Cost Of Living In Philadelphia For Students?

The cost of living in Philadelphia for students can vary greatly depending on several factors, including where you live, how you travel, and what you eat. On average, students in Philadelphia can expect to pay around $1,200 to $1,500 per month for basic expenses like housing, food, transportation, and utilities.

Item	Cost (Per Month)
Off-Campus Accommodation	€1,034
On-Campus Accommodation	€1,306
Transportation	€142
Food	€401
Utility	€163
Entertainment	€56
Groceries	€60
Clothes	€118
Health	€80
Total Cost of Living with Off-Campus Accommodation (Per Month)	€2,054
Total Cost of Living with On-Campus Accommodation (Per Month)	€2,326
Annual Cost of Living	€24,648

What Is The Average Rent In Philadelphia for students?

The average rent in Philadelphia for students varies depending on the location and type of accommodation. Students can choose from a variety of housing options, including shared apartments, dormitories, and studios. On average, students can expect to pay between $1,000 to $1,200 per month for a shared apartment or dormitory. However, if you prefer more privacy, studios or one-bedroom apartments may cost between $800 to $1,500 per month.

What Is The Cost Of Tuition In Philadelphia?

Tuition fees in Philadelphia vary depending on the type of institution and program you choose. On average, undergraduate tuition fees for in-state students can range from $10,000 to $15,000 per year, while out-of-state students can expect to pay $25,000 to $35,000 per year. Graduate programs can cost between $20,000 to $50,000 per year.

What Is The Cost Of Transportation In Philadelphia?

Philadelphia has an excellent public transportation system, including buses, trains, and trolleys. Students can purchase a SEPTA (Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority) pass for unlimited travel on all modes of transportation. The cost of a monthly SEPTA pass is around $142. Alternatively, students can choose to bike or walk to save money on transportation costs.

What Is The Cost Of Food And Other Necessities In Philadelphia?

The cost of food and other necessities in Philadelphia can vary depending on your lifestyle and preferences. On average, students can expect to spend around $400 to $500 per month on groceries and other necessities like toiletries and cleaning supplies. Eating out at restaurants or cafes can cost between $10 to $20 per meal, depending on the type of food and location.

What Is The Cost Of Entertainment And Recreation In Philadelphia?

Philadelphia has plenty of free or low-cost entertainment options, including museums, parks, and festivals. However, if you want to indulge in other activities like movies or concerts, expect to pay between $10 to $30 per ticket. Gyms or fitness studios may also charge between $50 to $100 per month for memberships.

Where Can I Find The Best Student Accommodation in Philadelphia?

There are several options for student accommodation in Philadelphia, depending on your budget and preferences. Some popular choices include:

1. University-owned housing: Many universities in Philadelphia offer on-campus housing options for students. These accommodations are usually affordable and convenient, with easy access to campus facilities.
2. Off-campus apartments: Philadelphia has a wide range of apartment complexes that cater to students. These apartments are often located close to universities and offer amenities like fully furnished rooms, 24/7 security, and communal spaces.
3. Homestays: For a more immersive experience, you can opt to stay with a host family in Philadelphia. This is a great option if you want to experience local culture and practice your English language skills.
4. Shared housing: You can also consider sharing a house or apartment with other students. This option is usually more affordable and can be a great way to make new friends.

What is the Average Living Cost of Living in Philadelphia?

The cost of living in Philadelphia is generally affordable compared to other major cities in the United States. However, the exact cost can vary depending on your lifestyle and budget. Housing is one of the biggest expenses in Philadelphia, with the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment being around $1,300 per month.

However, if you choose to live further away from the city center or share an apartment with roommates, you can significantly reduce your housing costs. Food costs in Philadelphia are also reasonable, with the average cost of groceries for a single person being around $60-$80 per month. Eating out can cost anywhere from $10-$25 per meal, depending on the restaurant.

Philadelphia has a good public transportation system, with a monthly pass for buses, subways, and trolleys costing around $96 per month. Additionally, taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft are also available. Utilities in Philadelphia, such as electricity, water, and gas, can cost around $100-$150 per month for a one-bedroom apartment. Overall, with some budgeting and planning, it is possible to live comfortably in Philadelphia without breaking the bank.

Cost of Living in Philadelphia for International Students?

International students may have additional expenses like visa fees and health insurance. However, the cost of living in Philadelphia for international students is generally comparable to the cost of living for local students. As an international student, you may also need to factor in travel expenses to and from your home country. The cost of living in Philadelphia for international students can vary depending on several factors such as accommodation, transportation, food, and entertainment expenses. The average cost of living in Philadelphia for International students was $2,500 -$3,000 per month.

Cost of Living in Philadelphia for Indian Students?

Indian students may find the cost of living in Philadelphia higher than what they are used to in India. However, compared to other major cities in the United States, Philadelphia is relatively affordable. Indian students may also find comfort in the city’s vibrant South Asian community, which offers cultural events and grocery stores selling familiar foods. The cost of living in Philadelphia for Indian students can vary depending on various factors such as accommodation, food, transportation, and entertainment expenses. The average cost of living in Philadelphia for Indian Students was $2,500 -$3,000 per month.

Final Verdict:

In conclusion, the cost of living in Philadelphia for students can vary depending on several factors. Accommodation, transportation, food, and entertainment expenses can add up quickly, so it’s important to budget accordingly and stick to a plan. For international students, the cost of living can range from $1,500 to $3,000 per month, while for Indian students, it may be slightly lower. However, with proper planning and budgeting, students can make the most of their time in Philadelphia without breaking the bank. Overall, it’s important to be aware of the cost of living and plan accordingly to ensure that your stay in Philadelphia is enjoyable and financially sustainable.

FAQs

Q1. Is it cheaper to live on or off-campus in Philadelphia?

Ans: Living off-campus in a shared apartment or dormitory may be cheaper than living on-campus. However, it’s important to consider the cost of utilities, transportation, and other expenses when deciding where to live.

Q2. Can students find part-time jobs in Philadelphia to help with expenses?

Ans: Yes, there are plenty of part-time job opportunities for students in Philadelphia, including retail, food service, and customer service positions.

Q3. How can I save money on food expenses in Philadelphia?

Ans: Students can save money on food expenses by cooking their meals at home, shopping at discount grocery stores, and taking advantage of student discounts at local restaurants.

Q4. Is it expensive to travel to and from Philadelphia?

Ans: The cost of travel to and from Philadelphia may vary depending on your location and mode of transportation. However, Philadelphia is easily accessible by train, bus, and plane, with several affordable options available.

Q5. Is it expensive to live in Philadelphia?

Ans: Philadelphia’s cost of living is 7% more than the state average, and 4% less than the national average. Housing in Philadelphia, PA is about 0% less expensive than the U.S. average. Utilities are approximately 12% more expensive.

Q6. What is the cost of living in Philadelphia for Indian?

Ans: To maintain the same standard in life as you have with 120,000. INR India, you would need 477.378.2Rs (or 5,771.0$) Philadelphia, PA. To compare the cost of living, this calculation uses our Cost of Living Plus Rent Index. This assumes that you have net earnings after income tax.

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