COBRA costs more than my rent, what did you do? (Raleigh)

I was offered COBRA and the monthly cost is more than I expected as a graphic designer. Any experience at all would help. I saw that marketplace plans might cost less. Did anyone switch mid-year?

Check what the notice says about the election period and when coverage starts. Mine allowed a short window to choose.

I priced both side by side: total yearly cost, doctors in network and the deductible. Marketplace was cheaper for us, but only because our doctors were covered.