Hmm prices are hard to estimate, you can get a good quality bike from anywhere between a rough estimate of $400 to if you want a really good touring bike if thats what you looking for up to $700-$900, I bought a used bike for $450, orginally priced at $1300, and the bike is in very good shape, all depends on what you are willing to spend, what is your current budget that you are willing to spend?
But when purchasing the bike you want to look and test the durability and the features, ask for warrantys and adjustments, most shops have a 90 day or even up to a year of free adjustments or anything. Test ride the bike and see if it feels good, many people at your LBS will tell you that steel is better in the way of comfort while biking because everything is absorbed into the steel instead of you in a aluminum bike, but thats up to the rider as well.