Having been into computers for decades the one thing I’ve noticed is the normal price brake for a USEABLE base model computer. Since my Atari and Apple II days, the high end, or best computer models always ran about $1200.00. To this day, this price point has continued to hold true.
If you want a computer that will be functional and not go obsolete in a couple of years, expect to pay around $1200. This does not include printers and other peripherals and add ons..
Cheaper options include upgrading an older computer. You can upgrade RAM and Hard drives that’ll help but most of the time only a stop gap solution. Giving you a year or so of usability.
This price does not include extended warranties. Plus just because you spend $1200 doesn’t mean you will get a good computer. If I recall IBM and Coleco produced computers that were just junk at any price. Again, just my thoughts.