illuzion30Cheapest: Set 1 Smooth + Set 2 Smooth = 53.80
Budget recommendation: Set 1 Linen + Set 2 Smooth = 61.80
Optimal: Set 1 Linen + Set 2 Plastic (Player boards are not covered with this option!)= 69.85
I do not recommend the cheapest option, as the smooth cards are not ideal for shuffling.
For the player boards (which I highly recommend), instructions are on page 11 of the boardgamegeek "My Glory to Rome reprint story" thread. As per those instructions, five player boards are $23.44 shipped.
My opinion is biased, of course; but I prefer this game to Innovation, Race for the Galaxy, etc. It's an elegant game, though a little bit swingy.
Glory to Rome Set 1 LINEN
Glory to Rome Set 2 LINEN CARDS
Glory to Rome Set 2 SMOOTH CARDS
Glory to Rome Set 2 PLASTIC
Glory to Rome Set 1 SMOOTH
Glory to Rome Set 0.03 PLASTIC