I can't tell you how many times I told my Mother that I couldn't afford this diet and lifestyle. One month I totaled up the cost and was surprised to see that we saved $50 that month!
Where we came out on top was on take out or dining out costs. We just don't get take out that often anymore. Of course there are always those nights that you don't feel like cooking, but we were eating out all of the time because there were so many options. There just aren't many healthy vegan take out options worth the extra cost, so I end up cooking.
So, does it cost more to buy tons of produce and vegan products? No, it doesn't have to if we are conscious of it. There are coupons online for some of the big health food companies. Do a search and check it out.