If you use Groupon or Living Social, you can get deals every few months or so for $160 starter kits from Midwest Brewing for around $70. That's one heck of a deal.
Also, keep your eye out on Craigslist for people selling homebrewing supplies. Some people go crazy with it, then get bored with it real quick. That's the best way to get awesome deals.
Several friends and I have made a lot of batches of hard cider. To be honest, there's usually no difference between using fresh-pressed cider, and just fermenting a couple of gallons of Mott's apple juice... honestly! I go to Costco, buy a 6-jug pack of Mott's Apple Juice (with no preservatives) pour it into a disinfected carboy, pitch it with yeast, and let it go. For less than $25 you can have 6 gallons of alcoholic goodness. I've also experimented with the Mott's juice and added cinnamon sticks to the fermentor, as well as various frozen juice concentrates - all with good success. I recommend using sparkling wine dry yeast for your cider.
Good luck!
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