Check out craigslist, my sim partner and I got a heck of a deal on an apartment (need a car). We found a guy that had a finished basement with two rooms, a bathroom and a living room. Well worth driving my car up there. All tolled I think I spent <$1,000 for the whole time I was there (over 2 years ago). You could also check airbnb. You might be able to negotiate a monthly rate with someone.