A decent set up that includes everything you need for first brew will cost between $100 and $120. The brew your own starter kit includes fermenter, airlock, bottles, sterilising gear, ingredients and yeast. Most stores will let you for ingredients you like.
Difficulty is user determined. The simplest option (very, very simple) is called kit and kilo, which basically means a can of malt/carbohydrate syrup, 1kg of dextrose and yeast and water. Sterilise everything, make up to the right volume + temp, do a yeast starter then pitch then pitch the yeast. Allow to ferment, bottle, then drink really good beer.
The option above is quite a bit more intensive (and rewarding). It allows you to fine tune the exact flavours you like and can be equated to making a curry from premix to making a curry from scratch-the result isn't exponentially better, but it is a lot more rewarding and will be truly unique
I normall brew from a halfway point-still kit and kilo, but add in different boiled grains and hops which is kind of the best of both worlds.
For first brew I would go the kit and kilo option so you can get the techniques and process under control. Get more adventurous as you go.
Go talk to your local brew store-they are normally keen to get new people in because it is a hobby turned business for the and will be really passionate and supportive