wow, haha. if you drive, find a house to rent with 2 or 3 other guys out in the mira mesa area. The bus 921 goes all the way to UCSD and it's free with your ID. I can never live in an apt anymore. All the Apt's around UCSD, although very very nice w/ very nice community features, can be loud at night. I used to live in Archstone, which is like a 5-10 minute walk from UCSD down Gilman. I liked that place, but it's pretty pricey. Triest has good prices, but I don't like their management. They are within about 15-20 minute walking distance, but a shuttle picks you up.
If price really isn't an issue, hit up craigslist and look for someone who's renting out a house along bus 30's route down La Jolla.
Why not Costa Verde? Seems pretty nice, but it is pretty pricey. There's an entire new block of apartments further down before the 805 freeway. I'm not sure if the shuttle goes that far though. I have a coworker that lives there, and it is rather nice.
EDIT: crap, 1 br apt for only 1000? Shiet, good luck. I think only Triest has ones for around that price.
I'd much rather look to room with someone, and have your own room. With that, you're looking at spending around $500 (for a house out in mira mesa) to $800ish.