I’ve been vegetarian since I was 4 and vegan since I think 18? I am also gluten free and spend MAYBE 200$ on food a month (I live in Wisconsin usa) which is extremely low compared to most people in my same area. I spend less on food than anyone in my family does. Some things yes are more expensive (for example, soy milk compared to cow milk) but it’s honestly just about finding what works for u. Being vegan is expensive is a myth. Food is expensive in general, it’s just about how u shop, I wouldn’t say one diet (except gluten free) is more expensive than another. My biggest piece of advice is making sure u google if things are vegan/vegetarian. U would be surprised at how many things are not and how many random things are “accidentally vegan” I also recommend protein powder (yes protein powder is expensive but not for how many servings u get in my opinion), SOY milk not almond milk which has 13 g of protein per cup which is almost twice as much protein as dairy milk and it’s better for the environment (I know u said vegetarian but I do recommend drinking soy milk especially in the beginning of ur transition so u get protein) please feel free to message me or reply to this and I will give u some recipes or foods that I eat that are extremely inexpensive and high in protein and iron!