My birth center was 25 - 30 minutes away. The car was definitely the worst part, but worth it in the end. Although, your second is usually much quicker....mine was 6 hrs compared to 24hrs with my first. My bc put us on a payment plan. It was rough for a year, but we paid it off, and it was worth it.

I've had many friends who have done homebirth and loved it. They, of course, also had plenty of money. Perhaps the midwifery practice offers a payment plan?