I'll second the cob approach. I think the three I bought locally were around $7 each. A pouch of Prince Albert or Carter Hall runs about the same. Add in a few bucks for some pipe cleaners and a pipe tool if you really want one and you are looking at $20-30 max, depending on taxes and how many tobaccos you start with.

Or, if you want to start with a wider variety I'm sure someone here might be persuaded to hook you up with some samples. I want to place an order soon myself for a bit of variety as I am getting back into it and I'd be happy to share.