I used the MAMEROOM plans to build an Ultimate Arcade II and the parts ran about $100 for a 6 foot tall arcade cabinet (I didn't use Formica for the sides as the plans called for - I painted).
I'm no carpenter - not even close - but the plans were perfectly presented and I had no problems or brick walls.
They sell the cabinet kit for $449 without a control panels which you'll still have to buy or make.
The jukebox kit looks extremely nice; I'm considering building one as well, the plans are $25 US which is about 1.5 euros.
That's really low and the amount of material involved would again be very small -= remember for the kit you do not get buttons, a screen, or any other hardware outside cam bolts and particle board. You could build it twice (once for practice) and still come out ahead.
I hate to sound negative because the plans are very tight and I highly recommend the design of the UAII from my own experience.
Now, if you have to buy a power drill, router, and circular saw those tools will cost you as much or more than the kit. So that may be where it all levels out!