I got my 28" vent rib ported new "take-off" barrel with chokes from Gunbroker for $90 delivered. I was patient and kept my eyes open and jumped when it became available.
To buy new often yes. Most of the time you can find a barrel of almost any type for $100 or less if you keep checking classifieds or post WTB's. You just need to be patient.
The most I can remember paying for a barrel was $150 and that was a never fired, fully rifled, cantilever scope mount deer barrel that had been factory camo dipped.