I live in Gilbert. Scottsdale is a really nice place and it is generally known as being pretty expensive, but my sister and her bf just moved in together and they are both mid 20's and got a nice apartment and I think they pay $800 a month. Its a 2 bedroom apartment. I'm pretty sure you could find a nice apartment for around $500-600 a month out in Scottsdale. Chandler is also a very nice place to live. I live right on the border of Chandler and Gilbert so I would check into those 3 cities. Tempe and Mesa I consider more ghetto areas but pretty much no matter what city you will be able to find some nice apartments. Let me know if there is any other way I can help.