I live in UK, but i'm told this is a good site for low US $ price,
so you can work it out from there..

Squier value pack.. $279

http://www.zzounds.com/cat--Electric-Guitar-Packs--2646

if you look at that site, you will see several different value packs
from different brand names at very good prices.

the squier is widely accepted as a good deal, reasonable quality
beginners guitar.

the quality of the cheaper packs, could still be ok