Cheap Scuba Gear – How Much Would This Cost?

It gets as expensive as you like!
Don’t know where you are, but in the US (SoCal) it is about 400 bucks for basic level (OPen Water).
What you could do is pre-study (and get accredited) and then go on holiday and do the water stuff somewhere warm.
Look at www,padi.com and click on the e-learning link.
Pay attention, this is your safety.
Gear can be v expensive, used is cheaper but you need somebody to check it.
A full set of kit for warm water (mid-range, not cheapest) can be had for about 1000 dollars plus tank (175)

There are deals on classes on and off. Class and books/dvd you will need somewhere between $300-400.

Equipment, you could spend thousands. Warm or cold water?

I just bought fins, mask and snorkel, medium quality for about $200. Don’t go too cheap, especially on a mask.

Knife, in case you get tangled in nets or fishing lines, at least $30, I think I paid $60.

Shorty wetsuit, thin for tropical diving, I got at Costco for $40.
That’s all the stuff I have.

BCD, cheap one about $400-500. But I usually just use the dive shops when I travel.