You're eluding to a question that no one asked. It can be cheap or as expensive you want. You can buy a boat 5-10 grand that will get you to the Carribean from California, or you can spend 1 million to do the same.

Once you've left your expenses are food and maintenance. There are quite a few sailors living on 10K/y and living comfortably. It's not "cheap" but it doesnt need to be as expensive as people suspect