I picked up a tank a couple months ago for $1000.
Been in the hobby since 2004. We have an awesome community in San Diego and equipment is extremely cheap here, especially lately. If it wasn't for SDreefs.com I'd never go over a 20 gallon.
Tank, Stand, Canopy, Live Rock, Live Sand, Sump, 8x54W T5, 1000W Heater, 5" Hippo Tang, 3" Gold Rim Tang, 2" Cherub Angel = $1000
2x Koralia 3 = $50
2x Koralia 4 = $40
Mak 4 Return Pump = $45
Plumbing = $60
150 Nass Snails = $10
Planned Purchases:
Add 8x54 T5s or 3x250 MH = ~$300-$500
RKL with attachments = $350
Fish = ~$500
Coral = ~$700
LED dawn/dusk system = $100
Turnkey WC system = $20 in plumbing
Water storage setup = $200
ATO = $75
Rackmount Electrical Center = $150