If you look on Craigslist, then you could probably find a 50-75 gallon tank on the cheap. Also, unless youre only interested in low-light plants, then the light that comes with the Petsmart combo wont be enough and you'll end up upgrading it anyways (I type from experience). The lighting for mid to high level lighting plants can get pricey. Also, some plants will require a better substrate than just sand, plus you'll have to add fertilizer and liquid carbon daily. So I would decide for sure if you want live plants, and if so, what kind. Keeping plants not only adds to the initial cost, but to the upkeep cost as well.
The stands for those can get kind of expensive. Ive been pricing wooden cabinet style stands made for 75-90 gallons and they seem to run about $200-$350. $75-$110 for a metal frame style at Drs F&S.
I think you'll be happier in the long run if you get a canister filter, but that comes down to individual preference. You can get the SunSun brand pretty cheap on Ebay (about $60). There is a similar looking canister made by a company called AquaTop that are also inexpensive (around $80). The manager at my "good" LFS tells me that the main difference between the two is that SunSun is made with cheaper parts in China and Aquatop is made with better parts in America (what!? They still make things in the USA?). He really seemed to like the AquaTops. To the point that he was recommending them over the more pricey Fluvals, which he claims have decreased in quality over the past few years.
My advice would be to take your time. Be sure of what you want and shop around for the best deal. Even if it means getting 1 or 2 pieces at a time. My first aquarium was one of those PetSmart 45g tank/hood/stand combos. After buying that and all the other stuff I thought I needed, I ended up spending around a grand (not including upgrading the lighting later on). Now that Im a little bit wiser, I realize I couldve spent about 30-40% less. Live and learn.
Hope this helps. Good luck.