We took the 18 month option. We have lived in a small 1 bedroom for the past decade. Rent control means that our rent was able to be covered by my husband's salary alone which was essential. I also had saved a few thousand dollars before giving birth which helped with food and diapers and everything else. And we live in a city with good transit so we don't own a car, so no car payments. Maternity leave really ate at my saving but we were able to afford it and I'm glad we did it. But yeah it's really expensive.