Don't plan to live in Dadar,its beyond capacity of common man(and quality wise hopeless).There are two options.Dadar is central part of Mumbai.On western side,you can choose to stay at (Borivali,Kandivali or after Borivali like Mira Road,Bhayandar etc).Andheri is also another option but again costly.(6000 for 1BHK).Area between Dadar and Andheri will be too costly for rent .
On central side,you can try at Vikhroli,Ghatkopar,Bhandup etc.These areas are not so 'modern' but should be satisfactory considering that you will be there only for 6 months.
In both options,you will have to travel through jammed packed local trains.If you start early for the work,lesser will be the crowd.
See Mid-day classifiedsor Mumbai edition of Times Of India.
[ April 19, 2004: Message edited by: Rancho Redondo ]