I got some PCBs made a couple of years ago from JLCPCB and it wasn't that expensive, with shipping, 5 boards of small size (cheapest ones, not suitable for every project) was about €10 or €12. Of course for hobbyists who are going to need several tries it makes it expensive, still it's a lot cheaper than before where I could only get PCBs for a much higher price.

Well, one can try repairing faulty pcbs and save some €€€. I do it always for expensive pcbs. For 2 layers it is not hard, more layers require small drills to break connections in vias.

Doesn't necessarily work if you need impedance control for high-speed signals.

Couple of years ago was before current shortages, they seem to be effecting the price.