If you're looking to avoid hides to cut costs, you're looking in the wrong place. A plastic bowl with a piece cut out or some terracotta can work well as hides. Honestly there is a level of cutting costs, and then there is the level of failing to provide adequate care. If you want to cut down costs here are some great ways:
Bulk purchasing- Works well for bedding, paper, etc. Also works well for cleaning supplies which can add up in the long run. Often this is also great when getting frozen rodents (which can sometimes be cheaper than breeding your own).
Insulating your snake area- Cuts the cost of electricity substantially. Also very helpful if you plan to maintain that area at a decent temperature through whole area heating such as a radiator or ceramic heater, which will in turn cut the demands of your heat tape.
Adequate QT proceedures- Substantial cost savings can be had by simply doing what your supposed to. Infesting your whole reptile room with mites is a HUGE cost, or getting your reptiles sick and the potential vet bills from that.
Having 300 hides to care for 200 snakes in rotation (born, sold) isn't all that bad, especially since it will generally be a one time purchase, and can outlast the snakes
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