The best BC for the money is the one that fits you the best and that you are comfortable diving in. Unfortunately, I don't believe that "going cheap" is in your best interest when you're looking at life support equipment, and that fit is the #1 priority.
Best advice would be to try on as many BCs as you can find, both men's and women's styles. Pick the one that fits you best, and if you're lucky and find more than one that fits you well, buy the cheaper one.
Personally, I use a Zeagle Zena and it was the best $400 I've ever spent. It fits me like a glove and I look forward to many years of diving with it. Contrast that to my first BC (SeaQuest Diva) that fit me poorly, which I sold after just a year. There's nothing wrong with the Diva, it just didn't fit me right and I hated it, but I know there are a lot of women out there who love their Divas...it just wasn't for me.