It can be worth it. Time is the key, rather than money. You have to find a “niche” as others have said, and aim your site for it. Spending lots of money won’t get you much but an empty wallet. I spend $15/month for hosting of 28 domains…period. Anything else is added to that, but learning how to do what you want to do is the important part.
Even if you move on to other ventures, the learning process is time well-spent.