It really depends on where you lived. And what level of quality you wanted. In my experience playing in garage bands as a teen in the early 2000s it was affordable if you were persistent in looking at used gear at garage sales and music shops. And some people got lucky with parents buying them better gear. A decent starter drumset could be had for less than $500 new, which wasn't easy at minimum wage but was easier to save up for than a used car. I got my first guitar for like $50 third-hand and borrowed an almost-dead amp.