DH just scored a much higher paying job, and we need to move closer because the commute is awful. The rent in this area is much higher than we're used to (though I'm sure it seems low to you DC or NYC folks), because it's a suburb of a major city. Buying is not an option because this job is temporary full-time and he may get a permanent full time position elsewhere next year. Our LO is 2 years old.

LUXURY 1 BR APARTMENT $860
685 square feet
Super nice complex built just under two years ago. Pool, playground, gym. Everything is new and upscale. There's some bonus space that we can use for LO's nursery quite easily. Washer and dryer are included in the unit.

CHEAP 2 BR APARTMENT $700
865 square feet
Built in the early 90's. It's your typical complex that college students gravitate toward. Unlike the other apartment, they require an extra bedroom for a child (even a newborn), which is very common around here, so we'd have to get a two bedroom instead of just one. The apartment is bigger and cheaper, but more drab (dated kitchen and bathroom, no amenities, etc.). No washer and dryer; there is coin laundry in the complex. I feel like for the quality, we shouldn't have to pay this much--but like I said, it's a high rent area.

We've called around to a bunch of places, and most want us to have an extra bedroom for our toddler, which would make the rent quite high. We're pretty sure these two options are representative of what we can get in this area. Which would you choose? Pay more for a "grown up" luxury apartment, or save about $2000 over the course of the year for a cheap place?