I got a deal on a new 9 from my carrier for $5 a month for 24 months.
$120 CAD.
But, in canada, the phones come carrier unlocked and had no issue flashing it. Though i only ever powered it on once before it was flashed - to turn on oem unlocking. The sim was not used until then. So it didn’t do any auto downloads that might have caused a problem.
Long short: you can find them cheap if you look.

In canada it’s all high. But i have 120GB data, unlimited calling and text in north America, free roaming, for 45$/mo
So my bill is 50 + tax.
I’ve had the phone for lver a year now.