Let me throw another thought into this. This is just my opinion but IF you're looking at saving money and using that as your basis on what to buy, maybe you should be looking at something R/C that doesn't fly. What you must consider is:
1) You will crash
2) You will be spending money
3) If you stay with the hobby, you will be buying/building more complex and more expensive aircraft and the gear to fly it

I build and race 1/8 scale unlimited hydroplanes. The average engine costs $600 new, not including exhaust. To put a boat on the water will run between $1500 and $2000. Based on that, I would be looking at the best radio that meets my requirements and not worry about cost. If I were to price out my present radio system it would look like this:
Transmitter-Futaba 4PLS $250(when I bought it, now $180)
Transmitter Battery Pack-Lifesource LiFe 6.6 volt 1900 MAh pack $35
Rudder Servo-Futaba S9156 high torque digital $130
Throttle Servo-Futaba S3050 digital $60(no longer available)
Receiver Battery Pack-NR4J 4.8 volt 600MAh flat pack $18
Of course, you have to charge your batteries so you can add:
Hobbico Accu-cycle charger $120
Hobbico Lifesource balancing charger $35
If you add all that up, just to race one boat cost me $645, JUST FOR THE RADIO AND ASSOCIATED ADDITIONAL REQUIRED ITEMS