Rent Ballpark...

Hallo..

I've recently been offered a doctoral position starting this fall at one of the universities in the city and while I plan on staying with relatives till Xmas in hopes of getting a better feel of the town, settling in and just easing into research life, I hope to get "my own space" by the new year.

I know this is 100% a much asked question on the subreddit but here I am, asking anyway. Lol.

What I really want to know is how "accurately reflective" of local rental prices are the commonly referenced rental sites? Parsing through these sites and can't see a one-room sub-800. I'd love to stay on my own tbah but I also know I've got to be frugal with the stipend so I'm not so closed off to having a roommate.

Anyway, looking forward to all your replies. Thanks.