Staying in one of Philadelphia’s lower-cost boroughs can help travelers stretch their budgets. The surrounding suburbs also offer long-term savings for those considering a permanent move, writes Jess Simms of Islands.com.
Four of the five most affordable Philadelphia suburbs are located in Delaware County.
Chester ranks as the region’s most affordable suburb and is among the oldest towns in Pennsylvania.
Attractions include Harrah’s Philadelphia Casino, free historic landmarks such as William Penn’s Landing Site and the 1724 Chester Courthouse, and nearby Marcus Hook’s cafes and bars.
Chester’s cost of living is about 6 percent below the national average and roughly 9 percent cheaper than Philadelphia overall, with housing costs 45 percent below the national average, according to Payscale.
Other affordable Delaware County boroughs include Collingdale, Glenolden, and Upland, each offering access to green spaces, historic sites, and low-cost dining.
Collingdale has several historic cemeteries, with Eden Cemetery the oldest still-existing Black-owned cemetery in America, while Holy Cross has some famous and infamous personalities interred there.
Glenolden is less than three miles from the John Heinz Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum, while Upland has its own historic buildings, including the Caleb Pusey House.
Read more about the top five most affordable suburbs in the Philadelphia suburbs in Islands.com.
Editor’s Note: This post first appeared on DELCO Today in December 2026.
