Cheap Apartments for Rent in the University City Neighborhood of Philadelphia, PA from $500 (277 Rentals)

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Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the University City area of Philadelphia.

What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much

Learn the official definition (spending 30% or more of your gross income on housing) and how to calculate your exact rent-to-income ratio. This guide offers expert tips on factoring in total housing costs (including utilities and fees) and budgeting accurately to avoid unnecessary financial strain.

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property at 910 N 41st St

$1,100 - $1,495

1 To 2 Bedroom Rentals

Available Now

910 N 41st St

PhiladelphiaPA19104

Your Guide to Co-Signers: The Risks, Rewards, and Everything in Between

Thinking about getting a co-signer for your rental application? We break down what a co-signer is, the potential benefits, and the serious risks for both parties. Find out if it's the right choice for you.

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property at 624 N 35th St

$1,195 - $1,595

1 To 2 Bedroom Rentals

Available Now

624 N 35th St

PhiladelphiaPA19104

Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls

When searching for a roommate, follow this list of essential steps and set clear expectations to create a solid foundation for a harmonious living situation.

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Chestnut Hall
Rent Specials
$1,222 - $1,968
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$1,222 - $1,968
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Varies
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

Chestnut Hall

3900 Chestnut StPhiladelphia, PA 19104
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Beyond the Cheesesteak: The Ultimate Philadelphia Transplant Guide

Get the true Philly experience! The Philadelphia Insider's Guide to the city's distinct neighborhoods (Fishtown, Queen Village, Society Hill) and must-see local attractions from ApartmentHomeLiving.com.

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Philadelphia's Best Affordable Neighborhoods

Learn about Philadelphia and the best places to live with original content written by our Local Expert Richard Corrigan

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University City, Philadelphia, PA Local Guide

Cheapest Available University City Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in the University City area of Philadelphia, PA is a 3 Beds unit found at Student Housing - Newly Renovated priced from $695. Walnut Street has the second lowest priced unit, which is a 1 Bed apartment currently listed from $800. Here are the most affordable University City apartments for rent in Philadelphia, PA:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
Student Housing - Newly Renovated3BR/1.0BA3BR,1BA$695
Walnut StreetSI1BR,1BA$800
Winchester ApartmentsMontgomeryStudio,1BA$850
RSS-University CourtStudioStudio,1BA$895
University City AssociatesStudioStudio,1BA$905
44WestStandard Studio1BR,1BA$1,050
West Lofts ApartmentsStudio LoftsStudio,1BA$1,100

Best Value Apartments for Rent in University City, PA

As of April 24, 2026 the best value apartment in the University City area is the $1.11 price per square foot 529 N 35th St Model at 529 N 35th St, Unit 1 in the in the Belmont neighborhood starting from $2,000. The second greatest value University City apartment is the 3839 Hamilton St Model at 3839 Hamilton St, Unit 3 starting at $2,000 with a $1.25 price per square foot in the Belmont neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for University City apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
529 N 35th St, Unit 1529 N 35th St4BR,2.5BA$1.11
3839 Hamilton St, Unit 33839 Hamilton St4BR,2BA$1.25
The Lofts at Brewerytown2 Bedroom2BR,2BA$1.15
The View at Brandywine4 Bedroom North East4BR,4BA$1.97
The Apartments at BrewerytownTwo Bedroom2BR,2BA$1.37
2333 Catharine St2333 Catharine St2BR,1BA$1.80
3836 Spring Garden St3 Beds, 3 baths3BR,3BA$1.70
894 N 42nd St, Unit 2894 N 42nd St2BR,1BA$1.44
The Eleanor at Chestnut (Per Bedroom Lease)2 x 2 Standard2BR,3BA$1.51
RSS-University CourtStudioStudio ,1BA$1.79

10 Hidden Costs of Renting You Should Budget for Before Signing a Lease

Avoid financial stress when renting. Learn about the 10 most common hidden costs—from pet fees to utilities—you must budget for before you sign a lease.

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Beyond Campus: Exploring the Best Philadelphia Neighborhoods for College Life

Find your perfect Philly college neighborhood. We break down the best areas for student renters near major universities, from walkable West Philly to the trendy spots in North Philly.

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Unlock Your Philly Commute: Your Guide to Renting Near the City's Biggest Employers

Live like a local! Explore diverse Philly neighborhoods—from trendy Fishtown to historic Cedar Park—with an easy commute to your job. Your expert guide is here.

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Don't Settle: How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money

Discover the insider tips from an attorney and real estate agent on how to negotiate your next apartment lease. Find out what's on the table and what's not, so you can save money and get the best terms possible.

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The Ultimate Long-Distance Moving Checklist: Tips from a Real Estate Pro

Moving is tough, especially long-distance. Learn how to minimize stress & expenses with proven strategies from a real estate pro, covering everything from logistics to finances.

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Cash or credit? Understanding the Importance of Credit Score in Real Estate and Renting

Discover how your credit score impacts your ability to lease or buy a home. Learn how credit scores are determined, how to check yours, and strategies to improve it for real estate success.

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Quick Rent Budget Calculator

How much rent can you afford?

The common "Rule of Thumb" is that rent should be no more than 30% of your income. How much is that? Enter your monthly income and click "Calculate My Budget" to find out.

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Pet Friendly Lifestyle
University City, Philadelphia, PA

Ranked #23

Among cities in Pennsylvania for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities.

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

4.0
Pet Friendly

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Best Local Schools in
University City, Philadelphia, PA

School data provided by Great Schools

Lifestyle Ratings

ApartmentHomeLiving brings you Lifestyle Ratings of rentals in areas across the United States, including Philadelphia. LifeStyle Ratings are a useful tool for comparing and sorting apartments and neighborhoods when choosing your rental home. This takes in many factors including our Star Ratings to compare for the best outdoor access, luxury amenities, family-friendly amenities, raising pets, transit options, and more. Find Lifestyle Search in the filter options (above). Happy Searching!

Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap University City Apartments

What is a cheap apartment in University City?

A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in University City is under $1,100.

What is the price of a cheap apartment in University City?

The cheapest apartment in University City is Walnut Street which is listed at $800, while the average apartment in University City costs $8,290.

What types of apartments are the cheapest in University City?

Student, low-income, and by-the-bed apartments are typically the cheapest rentals in most cities, though they require qualifying criteria to rent. There are 176 regular apartments in University City that we think qualify as ‘cheap apartments’ that do not have special requirements to apply to rent.

How do the prices of cheap apartments compare to the average apartment in University City?

Cheap apartments in University City have an average cost of $1,104 which is $7,186 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in University City.

Expert Rental Resources

The rental experts at ApartmentHomeLiving.com provide you with top advice, tools, and tips for understanding the leasing process and finding the perfect rental. Here are a few helpful rental and leasing articles from our experts to guide you on your search.

Helpful Local Expert Guides

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A Local Expert's Guide to the Best Affordable Neighborhoods in Philadelphia

Written by: Richard Corrigan

There’s always been more to Philadelphia than meets the eye. When I first came here, I saw it as a tough, gritty town.

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Unlock Your Philly Commute: Your Guide to Renting Near the Citys Biggest Employers

Written by: Richard Corrigan

Philadelphia is a city of neighborhoods. Those who live here take great pride in our specific corners of the city.

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Beyond the Cheesesteak: The Ultimate Philadelphia Transplant Guide

Written by: Richard Corrigan

Welcome to Philadelphia! It’s the city of brotherly love, cheesesteaks, Ben Franklin and Rocky Balboa. And I don’t think you need me to tell you, it’s also a lot more than that.

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Beyond Campus: Exploring the Best Philadelphia Neighborhoods for College Life

Written by: Richard Corrigan

Philadelphia isn’t necessarily thought of as a college town, but it’s home to some of Pennsylvania’s biggest colleges and universities, and thousands of students call the city home.

Articles, How-To's, and Tips

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Expert Solutions for Creating the Perfect Work-From-Home Apartment Layouts

Written by: Lauren Harrington

This article is based on first-hand experience managing apartment communities and helping renters adapt to their spaces after moving in.

decorative image for What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much article

What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much

Written by: Lauren Harrington

This article draws from first-hand renter experiences and recurring financial challenges reported after moving in.

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Maximizing Your Refund: Essential Tax Tips for Renters

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Other than tax professionals, I can’t think of anyone who looks forward to tax season. For everybody else, April is a stressful month to collect information and meet deadlines.

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18 Must-Ask Rental Tour Questions That Reveal the Truth about a Property

Written by: Lauren Harrington

Renting your next home can feel thrilling and overwhelming at the same time.