Reasonable housing represents the greatest cost of living expense and advantage. The average acreage, outside of the city limits is 5 acres. Many of the parcels have large, beautiful trees. Some have pasture and some have both. You want River front, come on in, it's here too.
Utilities are, as a whole, low cost.
Many homeowners have their own wells, so water is free for them. Woodstove or pellet stoves provide heat for a majority of homes. Electricity comes from the northwest power grid at competitive rates. Grocery costs are about the same as anywhere you live. Since this is basically a rural area, however, you will find summer-time bargains in fresh produce.