Why are you going to carry?
I see all kinds of recommendations of what to carry, but the big question is WHY and WHEN you are going to carry.
Make that determination before all others.
If you are carrying for self-defense and want to carry all the time, then I would recommend something small as your first carry.
Remember, the .22 in your pocket is worth more than the .45 at home.
Go to the gun shows and/or dealers and try the "pocket guns" and find what would be comfortable for you to carry all the time, even in your jogging shorts with no shirt. You can add to it later as funds allow.
My primary carry is a Kel-Tec P3AT .380 (239.00) with an ArmaLaser (159.00) and a spare mag (23.00). I can carry this no matter what I wear or where I go. Fits well in front or back pocket, IWB, USH, BB, and just about anything else you can think of. Weighs in @ 12 oz fully loaded w/laser.
Well within you price point with the laser and if you head out to the 7/11 on the spur of the moment you won't have to don special holsters, just drop it in your pocket and go, that is unless it is already in your pocket like mine is.
With the laser, you know you are on target quickly. "One shot, One kill".
My other carrys depending on where I am going are:
Kel-Tec P-11 9mm, ArmaLaser
S&W M-59 9mm
S&W Special .38