First year of college- living off campus?

my first year of college, i plan on going out of state, and don't much care to live on campus, especially since i don't know anyone at all where i plan on going. i was thinking of getting an apartment and the cheapest ones run 480-550 with water and sewer included. if i split this with a roommate (who i do know, and is dependable)... how hard would this be appose to living on campus?