This isn't a cheap hobby, but it doesn't necessarily have to be excessively expensive either. There are tons of people who have budget/affordable builds with Aqueon tanks, Reef Crystals, Black Boxes and 20-30$ corals, vs the super technical/name brand automated tanks with $500 'designer' corals.
People get caught up in materialism and having the 'best of the best' or trying to impress somebody... but like any other hobby, its about how you personally balance the material aspect of the hobby vs the enjoyment aspect of keeping fish and corals. I tell people if they can't commit to starting with at least a grand, consider planted freshwater tanks that are much less expensive/maintenance and still very enjoyable like reefing.