I would allow about $500 as a minimum, but I spent more. Mainly because I got myself a good, barely used fridge and some other bits ane pieces. Its a good idea to buy the stuff over a few pay periods.
Fridge -
$210 (ebay) -
The cost of a fridge or freezer is up to you and what quality you can tolerate. I spent quite a bit of time finding the right one for me.2x Kegs, CO2 Regulator, Gas & Liquid Line, 2x Disconnects, Entry level tap -
$290 (KegsOnline)
6Kg Regulator -
$249 (
http://www.ambernectar.com.au) Thanks Punter!
Non-Return Valve -
$27 (CraftBrewer)
Then there's the things I bought....
Crappy hole saw set -
$35 Quality hole saw -
$69PVC Pipe -
$5 (probably could have gotten this for nothing if I tried harder)
4 oz Starsan -
$9.95 (CraftBrewer)
Keg Lubricant -
$15.90 (CraftBrewer)
To preserve your keg seals.I also have a TempMate (CraftBrewer) which I bought a while ago ($74.50). If you're going to force carbonate, you're going to need to know/control your temperature.
Issues/Tips:
-I nearly made a complete mess of my fridge door by buying a cheap hole saw. I highly recommend getting a good one, or to save money, find a friend that already has one.
-If you're going to put more that one tap in like I am. Measure out where both taps are going to go. I now have a hole-punch mark in my fridge for where the second tap will be.
-Get a non-return valve. This is insurance against damaging your regulator.
-Have some piping hot water ready for when you attach the gas/beer lines. The fittings are tight!
-Study! I read as many websites as I could on building kegerators. Including AHB and here.
-Get ready to drink too much beer.