I agree with Cromagnum - start off with something like a Takamine or a Seagull, then if you find you are learning move up to a more expensive guitar. Some Yamaha guitars are pretty good values as well. You will get a lot of opinions about good and bad guitars (for instance I don't like Ovations although they are probably good guitars to learn on).
Generally, I would look in the $250 to $500 range for a starter guitar. If you are finding things higher than that, I would switch to something like a low-end Taylor because you would get a better instrument. Two things that make a big difference when you are first learning the guitar: 1.) the height of the action - This is the distance the strings are above the fretboard. There are some things that can be done to adjust this, but generally, if it is high it will stay that way. High action makes it harder to push down the strings, and makes staying in tune harder. 2.) The gauge of the strings - this is something that is easy to change. Buying a set of extra light gauge strings and having the guitar store put them on for you should cost less than $50 buck and could be as low as $10 (it all depends on what they charge for putting them on for you). Once you start to develop callouses you may want to switch to a heavier gauge string (you will get better sound with heavier strings).
I would also advise against buying a guitar with something other than a solid spruce wood top. I've seen guitars with High Pressure Laminate (HPL) tops from companies like Martin which would fall in the price range, but my opinion is they are not good sounding guitars and they won't improve with age. Also, there are tons of guitars with crazy woods laminated and dyed crazy colors - save these for teenagers - they are generally bad sounding guitars (again my opinion).
Oh, one last opinion - If you are buying in the $250- $500 range don't get a pickup in the guitar. The pickups on guitars at this price range are really cheaply made and don't sound good. If you find you love the sound of the guitar, go buy a pickup separately and have it installed by a professional. Generally, the price bump for a pickup on a guitar in this range isn't worth it.
