yes a DVI-A or DVI-I to VGA adapter is ~$6, I got one for 2.
But a DVI-D to VGA is a different story. It's a converter box. Some are retailing for $400 too. Although I saw one on ebay for 25. Regardless, a DVI-D to VGA adapter would be an involved project, whereas a DVI-A to VGA would be a piece of cake.