David,
I rent a 1 bedroom, nicely furnished, 2nd floor apartment with balcony in Barrio Norte for about $1,200 monthly.
In 2006 I rented a ground floor, less nicely furnished, 1 bedroom apartment in Barrio Norte for about $850 monthly. The water heater didn't work out too well there, nor the landlord. And ground floor living attracted people who rapped on the windows, or tried to vend things through them when open.
So, it would appear there is a range. I'm happier on the the second floor, and like current digs. Good luck honing in. Barrio Norte, to my thinking, is the best location in the city.
gfw