NYC and LA compete for the most expensive housing. He doesnt have to live in Manhattan, I wouldnt want to live in Manhattan, to loud. Far Rockaway, NY and/or Carlstadt, NJ are both close enough yet far enough so u have at least the "feeling" of a residental area. Carlstadt has a very small city like feeling although its only 10mins from Manhattan, downside is u would have to pay a toll if u drove into NY for school/work which is $10!! and $8 to get OUT of NY. In California, the additional cost of the car/insurance/fuel/maint and so on would make it somewhat harder to live, at least to my frugal self, being here in OH for years.

I would only assume that these arent places that have dorms and with that assumption, housing+car+fuel+travel would outweigh the ease of access in NY. We all know of its transportation system and although expensive, things get cheaper when established there.

So 2 important questions, does the school(s) ur looking for have dorm rooms? And will u be working while attending at the sametime?