Several people have mentioned the costs of the starter kits, and STUFF you get. I have to agree with them. The starter kits are danged expensive. You can get KD hive bodys, KD frames, make your own migratory style covers, and inner covers pretty cheaply. Bottom boards are fairly simple to make as well.
KD boxes run around 10.00, frames about .75, and some scrap exterior plywood can probably be had for free. The only real cost left is the foundation, smoker, veil, and the bees. You can go the MB route and cut foundation into starter strips and make it stretch. Then buy 4 lbs packages of bees with 2 queens and split em right off. They'll be a littel slower to start growing, but save ya a bit more cash for things you decide you need later. Feeders made from gallon jars, a couple cinder blocks to set them on, and away you go.