I'm this person. I got offered a more attractive offer from BU than other schools that accepted me. But I have to say the rate is fairly standardized for research and TA work. It's not required to do, but most of us do it voluntarily.

You definitely need a "cost of living" scholarship or a loan to get by.

I grew up in Mass and remember when you could find a 2 bedroom near Davis Sq or Alston for $1200. You can live on campus and generally it's covered in the Fin Aid package. Or just have too many roommates off campus.