Good news for apartment hunters: Philadelphia apartments are generally larger and more affordable than their NYC counterparts. The city's rowhouse heritage means many apartments have unique layouts with more character (and often more space) than cookie-cutter high-rises.
Typical Apartment Sizes
| Type | Typical Size | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | 350-500 sq ft | $1,000 - $1,500 |
| 1 Bedroom | 550-800 sq ft | $1,200 - $2,000 |
| 2 Bedroom | 800-1,200 sq ft | $1,500 - $2,800 |
| 3 Bedroom | 1,100-1,600+ sq ft | $1,800 - $3,500 |
Note: Sizes and prices vary significantly by neighborhood and building type.
Building Types
Rowhouse Apartments
Philadelphia's signature housing style. These narrow, multi-story buildings are divided into apartments:
Rowhouse Characteristics
- • Narrow but deep — Long layouts, front to back
- • Multiple floors — Often 2-3 floors per unit
- • Character features — Exposed brick, hardwood floors, fireplaces
- • Outdoor space — May include small backyard or roof deck
- • Less closet space — Older buildings weren't designed for modern storage
- • Quirky layouts — Each unit can be unique
High-Rise Apartments
Found mainly in Center City and newer developments:
High-Rise Characteristics
- • More standard layouts — Predictable room sizes
- • Amenities — Gym, doorman, laundry, parking
- • Better closets — Modern storage solutions
- • Central HVAC — More efficient heating/cooling
- • Can feel smaller — More efficient but less character
Converted Buildings
Old factories, schools, and warehouses converted to apartments:
- Lofts — High ceilings, open layouts, industrial features
- Larger units — Often more square footage than typical apartments
- Unique character — Exposed beams, brick, large windows
- Common in: Northern Liberties, Fishtown, Old City
Philadelphia vs. Other Cities
| City | Avg 1BR Size | Avg 1BR Rent |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | 650 sq ft | $1,600 |
| NYC (Manhattan) | 500 sq ft | $4,200 |
| Washington DC | 600 sq ft | $2,400 |
| Boston | 600 sq ft | $3,000 |
The Philly advantage: You get more space for less money than most East Coast cities.
Sizes by Neighborhood
Center City / Rittenhouse
Smaller units in high-rises. Studios 350-400 sq ft, 1BR 500-700 sq ft.
Fishtown / Northern Liberties
Mix of rowhouses and new construction. 1BR typically 600-800 sq ft.
South Philadelphia
Mostly rowhouses. Often multi-floor units with more total space.
University City
Mix of types. High-rises near campus, rowhouses further out.
Manayunk / Roxborough
Larger units, more space for the money. Many 2-3 floor rowhouse units.
Tips for Maximizing Space
- Consider rowhouses — Multi-floor layouts feel bigger than same sq ft on one floor
- Look for high ceilings — Makes apartments feel more spacious
- Prioritize layout over sq ft — A well-designed 600 sq ft beats a poorly designed 700
- Check closet space — Older buildings often have less storage
- Consider "junior 1BR" — Larger than studios, more affordable than true 1BR