You may want to look at some of the Eastern European armorers out there.
Wild Armoury and
Jolly Knight Armoury are two examples that turn out very nice work that is also very affordable depending on what types of styles and pieces you're after. There are many others out there and others can chime in.
One thing to keep in mind, is that while armor is expensive, it's also not something you usually get very quickly. It's definitely a long-game kind of project. It's taken me years to get my kit together, and I'm still evolving it and replacing things as I learn more and have access to better information. The point is, even if the armor is expensive, don't worry about what a whole kit will cost you, worry about it piece by piece and bite off a chunk at a time. Buy the absolute best that you can afford, and even if it takes you a couple years to have the kit you want, you'll be much happier with it. You'll also spend less money in the long run, because if you buy cheap to buy now, you
will end up replacing everything and spending twice if not more.
I know people getting in to this don't want to hear "Have patience my friend," but if there's one piece of sage advice I think everyone one of us who have been doing and researching this for years now would say... it's that.
