A cheap alternative

"A cheap alternative" refers to a more affordable or cost-effective option to a product, service, or solution that still serves the same purpose or achieves the desired outcome. It implies finding a substitute that is less expensive, yet still fulfills the necessary requirements.

For example:

Instead of buying the designer brand, she opted for a cheap alternative that looked almost identical.

To save money on our vacation, we chose a cheap alternative to a hotel by staying in an hostel.

He decided to take the bus as a cheap alternative to flying for his weekend trip.