As a student, should I move to SD or Irvine...rental cost? (Santa Ana: apartments)

[ChelseaRave]

I have the opportunity to attend either UC Irvine or UCSD starting in Spring of next year. I'm relatively familiar with both cities-culture and atmosphere wise, except I'm not too familiar with the rental cost in either cities. My boyfriend and I would only be able to afford a 1 bedroom apartment around $1200. I know that Ocean beach generally has cheaper rental prices, but I'm not sure about the commute from OB to La Jolla every day..might it be cheaper to rent in the Irvine area?

Thanks!
Chelsea

[sdurbanite]

If school reputation is important to you then I'd choose UCSD over UCI. As for rental costs, I imagine rents in Irvine are similar to those in UTC, where UTC is located. I'm sure you can get a studio/1 bedroom for a little less than $1200 a month.

Keep in mind that SD is a big city, so it's possible to live in a cheaper area of town, as long as you don't mind a longer commute to school. Definitely more college-aged people in SD than OC. Good Luck.

[BluSpark]

I agree...go to UCSD. Better school and rental costs are not too different.

[jarfykk]

Originally Posted by ChelseaRave

I have the opportunity to attend either UC Irvine or UCSD starting in Spring of next year. I'm relatively familiar with both cities-culture and atmosphere wise, except I'm not too familiar with the rental cost in either cities. My boyfriend and I would only be able to afford a 1 bedroom apartment around $1200. I know that Ocean beach generally has cheaper rental prices, but I'm not sure about the commute from OB to La Jolla every day..might it be cheaper to rent in the Irvine area?

Thanks!
Chelsea

Apartments near Irvine and the areas near UCSD's campus have comparable rents. I attended UCI for undergrad and UCSD for grad school, so have a good grasp of both schools.

Both very fine academic institutions. I (and industry) give UCI a clear lead in IT-related majors. For most others, it is a wash or UCSD is considered "better." Not sure what you're studying but something to keep in mind. Tuition and fees are comparable. Weather is damn near identical...

In terms of living costs, there are a lot of cheaper neighborhoods relatively near UCI (e.g. Costa Mesa, Santa Ana), while the neighborhoods nearest UCSD are more affluent. There is plenty of affordable housing near UCSD in the Clairemont Mesa areas, and lots of students live in North Park, Normal Heights, and Hillcrest.

Ocean Beach to UCSD is generally okay unless there's an accident on I-5. You can also take streets for a longer but scenic drive (did it a lot myself). OB isn't cheap, but definitely of units in your price range. You'll need to balance cost and neighborhood type as well as distance from UCSD.

Irvine itself, at least the parts nearest UCI, might be outside of your price range by a little bit. It is a very upscale city bordering Newport and is the gateway to South Orange County, land of the wealthy. Head north a bit for less pricey options as I pointed out above. Good luck!