How much should I budget for my piano?

As much as you can afford. With pianos, you typically get what you pay for. In other words, the more expensive the instrument is, the more likely it will be of a better quality. Learning on a bad instrument can be like learning to drive on a golf cart. Of course, it will drive…but it’s just not the same as learning in a car. Moreover, the experience can severely impact your enjoyment and ability to learn proper driving skills on it. Despite the high upfront costs, a good, consistently maintained piano will last you for decades. So in the long run, it will pay off.