I'm not sure where you shop, but I found a great thin black reptile belt at J.Crew outlet for about $10. Try checking out the sale sections or a TJMaxx type store.

Nordstroms has a very nice leopard calf hair belt at a good price. It is a good width, wide enough to wear with jeans or to cover a waist line but not wide enough to be uncomfortable.
I often find favorite belts at the Rack and Marshall's and Banana Republic.