When setting up to do something new its always going to cost a little more but once you have the kit under your belt and understand whats essential then you are on the road to having the ability to do things cheaper.

The voltage regulator is not a required component, its often a good idea, but by no means essential.

PCB?? do you mean strip board? or is this a development PCB you are buying? I prefer to prototyping using breadboard, and then moving onto strip board... if PCBs are required then you are entering a new world of expense, and they only pay when you have a quantity in mind.