I buy malt from a brewpub for $0.50/pound. hops by the pound and dry yeast for basic recipes. Even figuring equipment costs of $5 per batch, which is probably twice what it really is, I can easily brew 10 gallons of a standard porter, pale ale or oatmeal stout for under $25. I don't brew to save money, I never have, but the way I see it is that the money saved can be spent on my next beer focused vacation.