Almost any antenna will 'work' if it's made for 2 meters. A 1/4 wave ground plane has a negative gain factor. A 'J'-pole antenna has a unity gain factor. That's because gain is figured by comparing to a 1/2 wave antenna. That 1/4 wave is shorter than 1/2 wave so has a negative gain, the 'J'-pole IS a 1/2 wave antenna. Either will work.
I also like 'Comet' brand antennas and happen to have one of the 'GP' series. It does just dandy for my particular location and purposes. It's not cheap, so your $$ restrictions rule it out.
I would suggest using a very good coax for VHF/UHF stuff. That "very good" refers to the amount of loss of the coax for the length of run you'll have. Considering the economy now, I find that 'Times Microwave' LMR-400 is a good deal (depending on the seller naturally). It definitely can make a difference on what you are able to hear/'hit'. Feed line isn't -more- important than antenna, but it's still important.
The best advice I can think of is to get that antenna as high as possible/practical no matter which antenna you end up with.
If you're really limited with your budget, try making an antenna. That doesn't always mean it'll be cheaper than a 'store-bought' one, but it certainly can be.
Good luck and have fun at it, that's the main thing, right?
- 'Doc
(I have one of the 'Arrow' 'J'-poles, it does what it's supposed to do. It was also cheaper than I could have made it, but that's a comment about my making things!)