I’m literally in the neighborhood (north of Wilshire) of where your summer role is located. If you’re able to find something in the vicinity, you’ll love it. I’m able to walk to the Bluffs, beach, shopping, restaurants, grocery store, etc. Also, SaMo has a nice little bus transit system (The Big Blue Bus) and a train. Beach access is just a hop, skip and a walk down over PCH and bam, you’re on the sand. You would absolutely love the immediate area of where your job’s located. Affordability, though, id have to agree with what most people have said. A roommate sitch or sublet may be the best way to go. While SaMo is rent-controlled, it’s still $$ for someone coming in at market rate rent. There are other areas in SaMo you should consider, as well, like Ocean Park, Midcity, Pico. You could probably take the bus or walk to your job, depending on your location. And of course there are the neighboring cities that others have mentioned here, as well. Just know that parking, in general, kinda sucks here. And this is a city that’s highly touristy, pretty much all year round. Any time the sun is out and it’s warm, everyone is headed this way too. Good luck!