Cheap livin eh? What do you consider cheap? Everything here is going to be insanely expenseive here compared to Tampa Bay. Prices have skyrocketed over the last few years with so many people moving here (myself included). Decent apartments are $1,000/mo minimum. I spent a year on Mercer Island at Shorewood Heights. 2 BR 800 sf apartment cost $1,200/mo. but it's in the best school district in the state and in the middle of everything and incredibly bike friendly (bike lane on I-90).
Regarding bike shops, I reccomend Gerk's Alpine Hut in Redmond or Alpine Hut downtown. The two used to be owned by the same person but Gerk's was sold. I have more experience with Gerk's personally (since being sold) but both are owned by good, ethical people who will take care of you.