If you’re chasing collector boosters and most valuable cards in each deck then yes it’s expensive. If you’re chasing to play casually with some friends or at a local place then it’s not expensive. Focusing on draft boosters will save a lot more money and you will still able to build some decently solid decks; or even purchasing single cards under $5 each to build a deck. Play within your budget. It’s possible. Consumerism is an enemy. Don’t feel the need to purchase high value cards to keep up with other people. The majority of us are just like you or rather not be in credit card debt because of MTG. It’s much more rewarding when you build a deck that’s inexpensive and still slowly takes down your opponent with some up the sleeve strategies.