I agree with Carl, negotiate with your employer to pay for the expenses under an Accountable Plan. You can even accept a lower amount of pay in exchange for the employer paying for things, and BOTH you and the employer will save taxes.
For example, let's say your regular pay is $50,000 and the cost of apartment and food is $10,000. You could negotiate with your employer to pay you $40,000 PLUS reimburse that $10,000 of expenses under an Accountable Plan. The net result will sort-of be the same for both you and your employer (the employer pays $50,000 and you receive $50,000), BUT you will BOTH save taxes.
As a side note, if you are unable to negotiate that with your employer, your State MIGHT still allow the deduction (but it is usually subject to restrictions and limitations).
