I've gotten 2 ball pythons from the local big box pet store. They weren't in the greatest shape, but their doing ok so far, 1 has a small issue with regurgitation that I'm dealing with. Paid $30.00 for each of them, one is a normal, one is a fancy
I've adopted 2 snakes from my local humane society, both of them have turned out to be really good snakes, 1 corn snake and 1 ball python
I paid $20.00 to adopt each of them, and they both came with a glass tank.
I've gotten a re homed snake from CL, paid more for her, but again a very good snake, gentle and no issues from her either.
after 30 days at my house I do take each of them to the local exotic vet to get checked out, that is $45.00 per snake.
So you can pay quite a bit less than what the original price is on their snakes.