In my rural, fairly low income town of about 4,000 people, a two bedroom apartment rents for a minimum of $500, but usually closer to about $600. Nicer duplexes are $650-$800.
A four bedroom, older home in just "okay" condition in town on a small lot rents for about $1,000. We got lucky since we have rented from the same family for almost seven years (three different houses, first a one bedroom, then a two bedroom, now a four bedroom), and we only pay $650 for our two-story, four bedroom house. It's not in great shape, but we've lived in worse.
Cost of living can vary so much by area.
About the light bulbs, we only have a few, so I can't say how much they actually make a difference, but our local electric company offers rebates on energy efficient products, including light bulbs.