Relocating to Berkeley, CA area: Decent places to live in that area?

That won't cost an entire fortune? I plan on attending Berkeley Law in CA 2011: I have a family of 5: Husband son + twins: Hmmmm I know its expensive to live in that area: Any smaller surrounding areas that won't be soo expensive..It's really going to seem like a lot of $$ because we are from Oregon where nice homes cost about 1/2 of price of not so nice CA home. Suggestions? Comments? Please let me know...I'm open to 3 bedroom apartment, preferrably town home or house within 1-1.5 hour commute (at furthest) from Berkeley.