Yeah, the cost difference is definitely a factor, but in NYC I'd definitely have a roommate and I have financial aid, so that'd help a bit. In Austin, I'd either have to find a roommate or live on my own. And I don't think having friends in a city already would interfere with making other friends. My main question right now mainly involves the overall picture and weighing pros and cons.
One I'm having a hard time deciding on is which programs/school is best. Or if they're pretty much on equal footing.