My job involves support and repair and all sorts of printers.
Ditto on the laser printer idea. Ink jet printers are cheap but as you astutely mentioned, consumables are going to be very expensive. Buying a laserjet printer will be more a expensive one time cost, but in the long run you’ll be better off. The laserjet will last you longer and will perform better.
Now here’s where you have a decision to make:
Is black and white printing going to be sufficient to your printing needs?
If you say yes, definitely get a laserjet printer, especially if you print out at high volume. If you need color prints, an inkjet is going to be more cost effective because color laserjet printers are very costly.
Hewlett Packard is the way to go for Laser printers.