Novaform ComfortGrande

Ok, I'll tell ya. Costco's contracted Novaform Comfort Grande Plus. The mattress is only $650 for a Queen (taxes included) and it's great. The quality of the foam is noticeably better than most mattresses under $1,000, and Costco offers a no-hassle return policy.

Novaform ComfortGrande should work for YOU but your wife might/will find it a bit too firm. It's memory foam. Backed by Costco so no frills whatsoever. Other option is to go down the split king route but getting it under 1000 will be a challenge but you can have two beds of same model but one in plush and other in medium/firm and that way both of you are happy.

It's firm without being uncomfortable and we've both been sleeping great. It seems like it is a bit bigger than our box springs (maybe 1/2 an inch wider on each side), and it's 14" deep, so deep pocket sheets are a must. I'm 6'4", 285 pounds and a back / side sleeper, my spouse is 5', 170 pounds and a stomach / side sleeper.

Smelled a bit of rubber (duh), the smell went away after a couple of days. 12)Costco Novaform ComfortGrande. This was bought by a friend recently.

The Novaform are pretty nice at a very low price point and most are around 12-14". You are young and probably don't have back problems or health issues-I think you could find something affordable at either place. My son is 6'1" and about 240 -also in college -and he sleeps very well on a cheap foam mattress from Amazon. It may not last for years and years but he has no complaints currently.