the ones i saw at michael's were really $$. but that was back in october, so things might be different now. i prefer real trees - they smell really good every morning when you wake up.
We just ordered one from treeclassics.com yesterday, to be delivered on Wednesday. 7 1/2 foot Washington Pine prelit for 250, delivery included. Remind me, and I'll let you know how we like it.
Garden Ridge Pottery has the best prices. That's where we bought ours last year. I only know about a GRP in Katy, so I don't know if you have anymore in Houston.