What are some good Denim brands?

[Drip Bayless]

But are they more expensive?

It depends
Nudies retail for $200, good Japanese raw or selvedge denim is usually in the 2 to 250 range
Depending on how skinny you like your jeans you may have to get it tailored, but that shouldn't be too expensive
But unlike Nudies, Japanese denim pretty much never goes on sale unless you're buying from an American stockist