Updated: June 25, 2025
Key Takeaways
- Darby and Collingdale are among the most affordable suburbs near Philadelphia, with home prices well below $210,000 and rents under $1,200.
- All towns listed are within 20–30 minutes of Center City by car or public transit, making them ideal for commuters.
- Yeadon and Upper Darby offer some of the fastest train or trolley connections to Philadelphia for those without a car.
- Lansdowne and Gloucester City provide a balance of affordability and walkable downtown areas with parks and local attractions.
- Crime rates vary by neighborhood—potential movers should review local safety data before choosing an area.
- These towns offer lifestyle perks like access to nature trails, community parks, and historic landmarks.
- This guide is based on verified data from Zillow, Apartments.com, NeighborhoodScout, and city crime reports as of spring 2025.
Many people in Philadelphia are now looking at nearby suburbs and commuter towns — places with lower housing costs, quieter streets, and more space to live comfortably. Whether you’re moving to Philadelphia and buying your first home, working remotely, or just want a better mix of price and convenience, there are several good options just outside the city.
In this guide, we’ve looked at housing prices, commute times, safety, and nearby amenities to build a list of the most affordable places to live near Philadelphia in 2025. Each town is close enough to commute to Center City — usually 30 to 45 minutes by car or train — and offers a noticeably lower cost of living than the city itself.
Let’s take a closer look at the cheapest places near Philadelphia that still offer a good quality of life.
How we picked the least expensive places to live near Philadelphia
To come up with a clear list of inexpensive communities near Philadelphia, we used clear steps based on price, convenience, and distance.
First, we looked at cities and suburbs that are within 30-45 minutes of Center City — both by car and public transportation. These places allow people to live outside of the city but still get there easily, spend less time in traffic, have more space, and find parking more easily.
We took the latest data and compared the average prices for buying a home and renting a one-bedroom apartment. To make the list, housing costs have to be lower than Philadelphia itself, where homes cost around $230,000 and rents are around $1,800 a month (based on April 2025 data).
However, we didn't just look at price. We also checked out the level of safety, availability of public transportation, and convenience of daily life — things like parks, shopping, and places to eat. This gave us confidence that each of the chosen cities would be suitable for families, working people and those who want to live more comfortably.
Data was gathered from verified sources: Zillow, Apartments.com, the U.S. Census Bureau, and recent police and city reports when available. Prices and statistics correspond to spring 2025.
By comparing housing prices, commuting options and living conditions, we've compiled a list of cities that are a good fit for those who want to spend less and live near Philadelphia.
1. Collingdale, PA
- Average home price: $208,309
- Average rent: $1,133 per month
The small, cozy town of Collingdale deserves your attention for its real estate prices, which are noticeably lower than Philadelphia, while being only 11 miles from the city. The train ride will only take you 17 minutes.
Collingdale has some very nice parks, such as Collingdale Park and the Community Center Park. There you can enjoy a quiet walk or attend local events. You are also advised to visit the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge for bird watching.
The city has a crime rate of 41 per 1,000 people, which is higher than the national average. People thinking about moving here should keep this in mind.
Overall, Collingdale is a good choice for those who want to live close to Philadelphia without paying the high city prices.
2. Darby, PA
- Average home price: $180,000
- Average rent: $1,200 per month
Darby is an old town in Delaware County that was founded in 1682. It is located very close to Philadelphia, within 10 miles. The trip by streetcar or bus will take you about 30–40 minutes, by car about 20.
The significant age of the town has influenced the local architecture. Here you can find truly historic buildings. For walks, we recommend Darby Creek, a quiet place for walking and fishing. Another local attraction is the Mount Moriah Cemetery, part of which is located in Darby. Its history dates back to the 1800s.
Crime rate is around 50 per 1,000 people, especially property crime. This is something to consider before moving.
Darby offers lower housing prices than Philadelphia, as well as public transportation and a bit of local history.
3. Yeadon, PA
- Average home price: $231,236
- Average rent: $1,131 per month
Yeadon, like the towns listed above, stands out for its real estate prices. It is also very convenient to Philadelphia. From Fernwood-Yeadon station, you can reach Center City by train in about 17–18 minutes.
There are not a lot of entertainment options, but the large amount of green space such as Yeadon Community Park and Cobbs Creek Trail adds a nice suburban charm.
The crime rate is 42.87 per 1,000 residents, which is above average. Potential residents should be aware of this.
Overall, Yeadon is a reasonable choice for those who want low prices near the city and a suburban lifestyle.
4. Lansdowne, PA
- Average home price: $280,000
- Average rent: $1,163/month
Lansdowne sits about 6 miles southwest of downtown Philadelphia. The drive takes about 29 minutes, and the train ride to Suburban Station takes around 17 minutes.
The town has quiet streets and older homes that give it a small-town look. You can visit the Lansdowne Theater, a historic venue hosting performances, or enjoy Hoffman Park, a calm spot with walking paths and open fields.
Crime rate is 26.81 per 1,000 people — higher than the national average. Some areas are safer than others.
Lansdowne is a solid choice for people who want affordable housing close to the city with a calm, residential feel.
5. Upper Darby, PA
- Average home price: $245,000
- Average rent: $1,143/month
Upper Darby is about six miles west of Center City and is known for being budget-friendly. The 69th Street Transportation Center connects residents to several SEPTA lines, making travel without a car easy.
The area has many housing types and is home to restaurants and shops from different cultures. The Tower Theater is a popular local concert venue. Naylor’s Run Park offers walking trails and playgrounds.
Crime happens at a rate of about 24 per 1,000 residents. Safety varies by neighborhood.
Moving to Upper Darby is a good option for those who want public transportation, housing variety, and quick access to Philadelphia.
6. Gloucester City, NJ
- Average home price: $245,000
- Average rent: $1,734/month
Gloucester City is just across the Delaware River from Philadelphia in New Jersey. The drive to Center City takes about 18 minutes, and the NJ Transit 412 bus gets there in roughly 27 minutes.
The town offers outdoor spots like Proprietors Park with river views and walking paths. You can also visit the Gloucester City Marina for water activities and local events.
Crime rate is 21.47 per 1,000 residents. As always, some neighborhoods are safer than others.
Gloucester City is a good option for those looking for affordable housing near Philadelphia, especially if you explore the neighborhoods beforehand.
Cost Comparison Table
If you’re trying to decide which of the cheapest places to live near Philadelphia is right for you, this quick comparison table can help. It outlines median home prices, average monthly rent, and commute times for each town on our list — giving you a clear view of the most affordable suburbs and commuter towns near Philly. Whether you're a first-time buyer or a renter looking for more space on a budget, this table makes it easy to compare cost of living near Philadelphia at a glance
| Town | Median Home Price | Avg Monthly Rent | Commute Time to Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|---|
| Collingdale, PA | $208,00 | $1,133 | ~20 minutes (car/train) |
| Darby, PA | $180,000 | $1,200 | ~20 minutes (car/trolley) |
| Lansdowne, PA | $280,000 | $1,163 | ~29 minutes (car), ~17 (train) |
| Upper Darby, PA | $245,000 | $1,143 | ~25 minutes (train or car) |
| Gloucester City, NJ | $245,000 | $1,734 | ~18 minutes (car), ~27 (bus) |
| Yeadon, PA | $231,236 | $1,131 | ~18 minutes (train) |