Furnished vs. Unfurnished Rentals: Which One is Right for You

When you're apartment hunting in Philadelphia, one of the biggest decisions you'll face is whether to go with a furnished or unfurnished rental. It's not just about having a couch to crash on, this choice affects your wallet, your lifestyle, and how quickly you can settle into your new Philly home.

Let's break down everything you need to know to make the right call for your situation.

What Does "Furnished" Really Mean in Philly?

A furnished rental typically comes with all the essentials you need to live comfortably from day one. We're talking about:

Living Room:

• Sofa or sectional

• Coffee table

• TV stand (sometimes with a TV)

• Side tables and lamps

Bedroom:

• Bed frame and mattress

• Dresser or chest of drawers

• Nightstands

• Basic bedding and pillows

Kitchen & Dining:

• Dining table and chairs

• Basic cookware and dishes

• Small appliances (microwave, coffee maker)

• Essential utensils

Extras:

• Curtains or blinds

• Basic decor items

• Sometimes laundry facilities

Unfurnished rentals, on the other hand, come with just the built-in essentials: kitchen appliances (fridge, stove, dishwasher if you're lucky), bathroom fixtures, and maybe some light fixtures. Everything else? That's on you.

The Furnished Life: When Convenience Wins

The Good Stuff:

Furnished rentals are perfect if you're the type of person who wants to grab your suitcase and start living your best Philly life immediately. No weekend trips to IKEA, no waiting for delivery trucks, no assembling furniture while questioning your life choices.

They're also great for short-term situations. Maybe you're a Drexel student doing a co-op for six months, or you're trying out city life before committing long-term. You can literally show up with just your clothes and laptop.

Cost-wise, furnished places make sense for shorter stays because you're not dropping thousands on furniture you might not be able to take with you. Plus, if something breaks, that's usually the landlord's problem, not yours.

The Not-So-Good:

Here's the reality check: furnished rentals typically cost 15-30% more per month than their unfurnished counterparts. In Philadelphia, where the average rent for a one-bedroom is around $1,400, that extra cost adds up fast.

You're also stuck with someone else's style choices. Maybe you're a minimalist who loves clean lines, but you're living with a floral-print sofa that screams 1995. And forget about having friends over for dinner if the dining table seats two people uncomfortably.

Going Unfurnished: Your Blank Canvas

Why People Love It:

The biggest advantage of unfurnished rentals is freedom. You get to create a space that actually reflects who you are. Want a reading nook by the window? Go for it. Prefer a standing desk? Done. It's your space to make into a home.

Financially, unfurnished rentals are cheaper month-to-month, which means more money in your pocket for cheesesteaks and Eagles tickets. If you're planning to stay in Philadelphia for more than a year, those monthly savings really add up.

There's also something satisfying about building your space from scratch. It's like adult Legos, but with more trips to Target.

The Challenges:

The upfront costs can be brutal. Between a bed, couch, dining table, and all the little things you don't think about (trash cans, shower curtains, can openers), you could easily spend $3,000-$5,000 getting set up.

Moving is also more complicated. Instead of just personal belongings, you're coordinating furniture delivery, potentially renting a truck, and praying your couch fits through that narrow row house door (spoiler alert: Philadelphia doors were not designed for modern sectionals).

The Money Talk: What It Really Costs

Let's get specific about Philadelphia numbers. A furnished one-bedroom in a decent neighborhood like Northern Liberties might run you $1,700/month, while the same unfurnished unit could be $1,300. That's $400 more per month, or $4,800 extra per year.

But remember, if you go unfurnished, you need to factor in:

• Basic furniture set: $2,500-$4,000

• Kitchen essentials: $300-$500

• Bedding and linens: $200-$400

• Decor and miscellaneous: $500-$1,000

So if you're staying less than a year, furnished usually wins financially. Longer than that, and unfurnished starts making more sense.

Who Should Choose What?

Go Furnished If:

• You're a student or young professional just starting out

• You're relocating to Philly for work temporarily

• You don't own furniture or it's not worth moving

• You value convenience over customization

• You're testing out city living before committing

Choose Unfurnished If:

• You're planning to stay more than a year

• You already have furniture or love shopping for home stuff

• You want your space to feel uniquely yours

• You prefer lower monthly costs and can handle upfront expenses

• You're settling down or starting a family

Philadelphia-Specific Considerations

Living in Philly comes with its own quirks that affect this decision. Many of our beautiful rowhomes have narrow staircases and doorways that make moving furniture a real adventure. If you're looking at a third-floor walkup in Queen Village, that IKEA delivery might become your worst nightmare.

On the flip side, Philadelphia has some amazing secondhand furniture stores and markets. The ReStore, South Street Antiques Market, and even Facebook Marketplace are goldmines for affordable furniture if you go the unfurnished route.

Transportation is another factor. If you don't have a car (and hey, lots of Philadelphians don't), furnished rentals eliminate the headache of figuring out how to get a mattress from South Jersey to your apartment.

Making Your Decision

Here's the truth: there's no universally right answer. The best choice depends on your specific situation, timeline, and priorities.

If you're just graduated college and starting your first job in Center City, a furnished studio might be perfect while you figure out your long-term plans. If you're a growing family moving from the suburbs, you probably want the space and savings that come with unfurnished rentals.

Consider creating a simple pros and cons list based on your situation. Factor in not just the obvious costs, but also your time, stress levels, and what matters most to you in creating a comfortable home.

Remember, this isn't a permanent decision. You can always start furnished and move to an unfurnished place later, or vice versa. The important thing is finding a place that works for your current life stage and helps you enjoy everything Philadelphia has to offer.

Whether you end up with a furnished apartment in Fishtown or an unfurnished house in West Philly, the most important thing is that it feels like home. And in a city as welcoming as Philadelphia, that won't take long no matter what furniture you're sitting on.

Ready to start your search? Check out our available listings and let us help you find the perfect Philadelphia rental, furnished or unfurnished, that fits your lifestyle and budget. Visit our resources here to get started on your housing journey.