I'm having a(n awesome) dilemma where I was admitted to my top 2 program choices. As many on here do, let's call the from program A and program B. Both are top ranked programs.
Program A paid for me to visit for an interview weekend. I was expecting the whole experience to be awful and stressful, but it was actually really enjoyable. I loved the people there (other students and faculty), which is saying something because I am very introverted and often don't have that response to social situations. The adviser I would be working with is fantastic - perfect research fit, and seems like a really good personality fit. Said would-be adviser is also well-known the field and does excellent work. Would be able to live on the stipend here without debt due to low cost of living.
Program B admitted me on the basis of a phone interview. The draw for program B is location. It's a place I've always dreamed of living. However, the cost of living there is astronomically high. I would have to take out a lot of debt and likely still be too "house poor" (rent) to enjoy my surroundings. Commuting would also be factor, since I'd have to live pretty far from school to even pretend to be able to afford housing. The faculty there is also excellent, but the research fit is not as perfect as A's.
B has invited me to their admitted students day, but they are offering no funding for this trip. I'd also be responsible for getting myself around the city on the train (with my luggage, etc) with no reimbursement.
I feel like I should visit B just to check and ensure that it isn't some magical utopia far more amazing than I ever dreamed, which was a little like my experience at A. Part of me thinks I should spend the money, give B a chance, and be "more sure" about my decision. Another part of me thinks I'll end up at A no matter what, and that visiting be would be a waste of time (off work) and money. I also have a concern that I will visit B, get wrapped up in my love of the area (my dream city), and possibly decide to attend the program for the wrong reasons.
Any input is appreciated. What do you all think? Should I drop the $500-600 to visit B? Is it a waste, or would it be foolish not to? Thank you for reading.