how much does all the diving stuff come up to? i estimated about $1100 for me to gety in the water not counting the cert price so how much would it cost?
Look on Craigslist and eBay and you'll find lots of good deals on complete scuba gear packages that have only been used a few times. There's a reason. Lots of people go out and buy all that stuff, then figure out they don't like diving, don't have the time for it, or don't want to spend on the ongoing costs.
Have you thought about getting certified and renting gear for a while? To get certified, you'll need to buy a mask and fins (not sure whether they require a snorkel anymore). Buy your mask from a local dive shop. You'll pay more, but that way you can be sure that your mask fits and seals properly. You can spend between a few bucks and a fortune on fins. Check Craigslist and buy an inexpensive pair of used fins. If you're diving warmer water, get some that are closed heel (ie. your foot fits in a pocket, not the kind with a strap that goes around your heel). That way you don't have to buy a pair of booties.
Rent the rest of the gear a few times, so that you know you are going to stick with diving before you take the plunge on the big-ticket items.
Personally, I buy both new and used. Here's what I'd suggest:
Wetsuit: Buy new. You can get a decent wetsuit from LeisurePro or one of the other onlines for $100. I dive a Bare 3mm one-piece suit which cost $90 and holds up great. And I have the comfort of knowing that I am the only one who has ever peed in that wetsuit.
BC: Buy used. Should be able to find a decent one for $150 or less. Then take it into your dive shop and have it serviced, cost $25-35. Try to find one that has integrated weight pockets, that way you don't have to buy a weight belt.
Regulator: Buy new, your life depends on it. The regulator I dive cost me $170 new on eBay and has served me well. If you buy used you are going to have to have it serviced before using it (no matter what the seller tells you).
Computer: Buy used, get one that is air-integrated. If you stick with diving you are probably going to want to certify on Nitrox at some point, so make sure the computer is compatible (same goes for regulator). Hit eBay and Craigslist hard, you can find one for $200 or less. Replace the battery as soon as you get it, only costs a few bucks.
Weights: Buy used.
Octo: If the regulator you buy doesn't already have one, buy this new, you can get it for $75 if you shop around (I paid $60 for mine).
Knife: Basic knife new or used shouldn't cost you more than $15.
You might be able to find all of this stuff, in your size, in a package deal for less. If you go that way make sure to take it all in to your dive shop for inspection and service if needed.
You'll also want gloves. To start, you can use gardening gloves or the like.
Tanks are the last thing to buy, don't buy 'em unless you dive a lot as they are expensive and require annual inspections.
Bear in mind that when you buy all of this crap you're not done spending. Here are some costs you will incur every time you go:
Gear rental $50 (until you buy your own)
Tank rental $30 (assuming you are doing two-tank dives)
Boat charter $75-125 (unless you have a boat or a friend with one, in which case you will help pay for gas)
Lawyer $xxx (when your wife finds out how much you are spending on this).
Good luck