Wheels fall into three price brackets and the money buys centring capacity, mass and durability rather than anything about the pots. Beyond the wheel itself the follow-on costs are small individually and add up: bats, tools, a bucket, and clay by the bag.
What each bracket buys
Tabletop machines are the cheapest and will centre one to two kilograms. Mid-range wheels handle several kilograms, weigh enough to stay still and suit a committed hobbyist indefinitely. Studio wheels cost several times a tabletop machine and are built for continuous use and long-term repair. Within each bracket the differences are smaller than between them.
Used prices
A wheel that has done a year of weekend use is mechanically nearly new and sells for meaningfully less than new. Machines from established makers hold value because parts are available; unbranded ones do not. That means the used market is where the value is, provided you check bearings and pedal before buying.
The costs after the wheel
Bats and a bat system, a wire, ribs, a needle tool, calipers, a sponge and a bucket, then clay. The tools together are a modest one-off; the clay is continuing, which is why this site prices bodies per kilogram. A beginner throwing regularly goes through a 12.5 kg bag faster than expected, though most of it is reclaimed rather than lost.
Where a wheel sits against a kiln
A wheel is usually the cheaper half of the pair, and it is possible to make a great deal of pottery with a wheel and no kiln by paying a studio to fire. Many people do exactly that for years. If the budget only stretches to one, the wheel plus firing fees is the route that gets you making soonest.
Questions people ask about pottery wheel
How much is a pottery wheel?
Tabletop machines are the cheapest bracket, mid-range wheels several times that, and studio wheels several times again. The money buys capacity, mass and durability.
Is used cheaper enough to be worth it?
Usually yes, particularly wheels sold after a year of light use, provided the maker still supplies parts.
What else will I spend?
Bats and tools as a modest one-off, then clay by the bag as an ongoing cost.