A genuinely usable first setup runs $150–300: a dual-action gravity-feed brush ($60–150), a tank compressor with regulator and moisture trap ($90–130), plus thinner, a cleaning pot, and a few airbrush-ready paints. Budget combo kits land near the bottom of that range; an Iwata-grade brush pushes the top.
Spend the extra on the compressor before the brush — steady, quiet air improves every brush, while a premium brush on pulsing air still sprays poorly.
Go deeper in our airbrushes guides.