Racquets vary significantly in weight, power, balance, grip, stiffness, and frame. Choosing a racquet is a personal decision that depends on what a player feels most comfortable with.
South YMCA has a variety of loaner racquets. Try several and notice how each feels when held in your hand and during play. When you develop a feel that you like, remember that feel when you handle candidate racquets in a sports shop.
Decent racquets for beginners start at about $90. Excellent quality racquets start around $120.