It depends really what you want to spend and use it for. A standard stream rod would be like an 8 1/2ft, 5-6wt. This would be good for trout, and light bass work. Orvis makes a few that are 5-6 peace rods for easy storage and carry.
However if you fish small streams like I do, and want a rod that can lay down a 9ft 7x Mirage leader then an Orvis Superfine is hard to beat. I have a 7ft 4wt that weighs only 1 ounce.
I can roll cast that thing into the tightest streams with low overhangs. I absolutly love this rod and will take it to my grave, it has a little Battenkill reel that is pretty sweet as well.
If you are thinking about fishing salt then the costs will be higher because you need a good reel. I don't really like my saltwater combo all that much, next I'll get a Zero Gravity rod with a Loop, or Tibor reel. I want a water proof drag!!
Figure between $200-$1,300 for a freshwater combo and $500- $1,500 for something for saltwater work.
Cabelas is hard to beat for a cheap but good quality beginners combo. However if you want state of the art, Orvis, Sage, G Loomis ect make some amasing rods. For reals Tibor, Able, Orvis, Van Staal, Redington are good choices.
My favorite line is Cortland 444, WF4F for my small stream combo. Spend money on good line, it casts and lays out much better then the cheap stuff.