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phoenix craigslist > apts/housing for rent: search for "avondale "
Yes, $500-600 seems right for Avondale for a studio. Check out the above link to see what Avondale will cost you if you decide to not use the school's housing program.
For salaries - you will have to do a little research on that in the exact area of interest that you desire. Perhaps you can check out the job/careers section of our newspaper online to determine this.
The salaries out here fit well with our cost of living. Employment out here is fruitful. The immigration issues do not affect one's hourly/salary. Well, unless you possibly decide to be a Landscaper.
Best of luck to you.