Landscaping timbers aren't too expensive, you would spend a lot more for soil than them. You can drill holes through them and secure them with rebar with about up to a couple of feet in the ground and they will hold really well. I use them on my terraced veggie garden so it is level each three feet. They only need to be replaced after a long time when they show signs of deteriorating.
The cost of materials varies across the country, so I can only make estimates. If your raised bed is not going to be very tall then landscape timbers are a reasonable value. Landscape timbers run about $3.50 each so a 4x8 ft bed would cost $10.50 for each layer. Three layers would give you a bed about 9 inches above the ground level. Landscape timbers are treated, so they will last many years. Untreated lumber may last only one; it depends on your climate.
If your raised bed needs to be taller then a wood frame with corrugated metal on the inside is perhaps the best value. A 2x8 ft corregated panel should cost under $15. While it's still a good idea to use treated lumber for the frame, the corrugated metal on the inside keeps the soil away from the wood. Framing lumber is more expensive than landscape timbers, but because the wood only frames the raised bed you use less and the cost might work out the same as using more landscape timbers for the same height.
A large part of the cost of a raised bed is the soil you add to it. A raised bed 8x4 ft and 2 ft high holds 2 & 1/3 yards of soil. Even the 9-inch high landscape timber bed needs almost a yard. With low beds especially it makes sense to use the native soil if possible and enrich it with organic matter and such. A 4x8 ft size is easiest to access. If a raised bed is against a fence or building, it's better not to make it wider than 3 ft. Remember that soil in contact with a fence or building will cause rot in the structure.
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How about pallets? Free or low cost in most places.
https://youtu.be/JSJbGvElvfo
https://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-make-a-raised-bed-garden-box-from-wood-pall/
https://morningchores.com/pallet-garden/
Landscaping timbers aren't too expensive, you would spend a lot more for soil than them. You can drill holes through them and secure them with rebar with about up to a couple of feet in the ground and they will hold really well. I use them on my terraced veggie garden so it is level each three feet. They only need to be replaced after a long time when they show signs of deteriorating.
The cost of materials varies across the country, so I can only make estimates. If your raised bed is not going to be very tall then landscape timbers are a reasonable value. Landscape timbers run about $3.50 each so a 4x8 ft bed would cost $10.50 for each layer. Three layers would give you a bed about 9 inches above the ground level. Landscape timbers are treated, so they will last many years. Untreated lumber may last only one; it depends on your climate.
If your raised bed needs to be taller then a wood frame with corrugated metal on the inside is perhaps the best value. A 2x8 ft corregated panel should cost under $15. While it's still a good idea to use treated lumber for the frame, the corrugated metal on the inside keeps the soil away from the wood. Framing lumber is more expensive than landscape timbers, but because the wood only frames the raised bed you use less and the cost might work out the same as using more landscape timbers for the same height.
A large part of the cost of a raised bed is the soil you add to it. A raised bed 8x4 ft and 2 ft high holds 2 & 1/3 yards of soil. Even the 9-inch high landscape timber bed needs almost a yard. With low beds especially it makes sense to use the native soil if possible and enrich it with organic matter and such. A 4x8 ft size is easiest to access. If a raised bed is against a fence or building, it's better not to make it wider than 3 ft. Remember that soil in contact with a fence or building will cause rot in the structure.