Reminds me of when my sister was trying to get a place to live with her first husband, they rented a house from a landlord (for 2 years) guy was a jerk and the home was in bad condition (the touch up was in poor quality, and the guy was rude over all), moved out and got another home, husband was jerk, so she filled for divorce ( he still loved his ex-wife, not my sister), she now has another home, with 2 kids and a husband in which they moved into 4 years ago, it's a pretty nice home for where they live (No place Minnesota). Personally I would try living together, and no going over to her place every few days doesnt count it, I plan to do that with my girlfriend when we make that leap, 500-800$ in rent isn't to bad (and thats for 2 bed 1 bath apartments, size does matter the price, but the biggest 2 bed 1 bath stop at around 700-800$, also might depend where you live.)