Where's an affordable place to rent in Washington state.?

My girlfriend and I are about to leave Montana. We want to stay around the state but want an area that isn't as rural with more rental options. We were thinking of looking around Washington. What are some good areas where we could find some decent apartments, condos, or houses for rent for under $1000 a month? We don't want anything right in the middle of a big crowded city more like the suburb areas. Anything near the ocean would be nice too. Were just trying to get a good idea of some towns to visit before we head out.