(My comments in parenthesis)
Here's my price-list.
Any suggestions welcome. Total $415
ItemPrice
ST-1000 temp controller 24.99
hobby box 11.83
14 AWG for wiring 24.00
(Too much wire. Go to a big box store and get 1' of the bulk roll. Save at least $20)
AC cord 24.00
($11:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003OQVGP0/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20)
heater 40.00
(Paint can/light bulb is much cheaper, but based on a previous post, apparently a reptile heater is healer yet)
wire nuts 7.00 (no need that I can see)
coping saw 12.00 (no need that I can see)
file 12.00 (no need that I can see)
round file 12.00
small drill bit 1.00
nm clamps 7.00 (not sure what this is)
outlet tester 7.00 (no need)
fuse 7.00 (no need)
fuseholder 15.00 (no need)
gorilla glue 4.00
2 x gfci 11.40 (1x not-GFCI for ~$1)
stud finder 20.00 (no need)
thermal insulating tape for probe 25.00 (use scrap cardboard/masking tape)
freezer 150.00
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Your STC-1000 is about $5 more expensive than mine was and your hobby box is a little more. If prices went up, prices went up. Tough to fight inflation. I would use the smallest hobby box you can fit the controller into.
Your wire is way overkill. Get a foot of bulk wire. That's more than enough. No way it costs more than $1. (-$23)
Your AC cord is WAY too expensive. Mine was about $8, but I can't seem to find it in under 2 minutes. Amazon is great for that stuff. (-$13)
$40 for a heater is also way too much. Paint can/light bulb is much more economical. With a little searching, this should be under $10. (-$30)
Where are you using wire nuts? I didn't (-$7)
I used a dremel to cut holes. Seems like you have way too many tools. Ask friends, somebody's gotta have one (-saw, file, file, drill bit ... -$37)
I don't know what nm clamps are, but I didn't use them. (-$7)
Don't use an outlet tester. Use a lamp (-$7)
Fuse/fuse holder. No need, your breaker will take care of it (any fridge/freezer needs to be on a dedicated circuit, if yours isn't, demand the apartment complex fix the situation. It's code). (-$22)
Gorilla glue. Not sure where this is used. I attached mine with Command strips (3M adhesive that doesn't destroy walls). Leave the $4 in for that.
You don't need GFCI. Get one outlet and split the bar. (-$11 or -$22 if it was price/ea)
What are you doing with a stud finder? (-$20)
Skip the expensive thermal tape and use almost anything you have around your house. Old t-shirt sleeve, some bubble wrap or a bit of cardboard, whatever. It's beer, not a rocket ship. (-$25)
I won't touch the freezer. Sounds like they're not easy to find. Of course, scour craigslist, but it sounds like you might be stuck.
I just saved you >$200.