You can spend anywhere from a couple of bucks per foot to triple that. HD or Lowes can be a starting point for you as far as prices go. A dedicated tile outlet will generally be more. When you find one that you like, shuffle up 8-10 tiles and stand them on edge. Feel for size variations....1/16" of an inch or less is good. Now, place a tile face up and another face down on top of it. Does it "rock?" If it does, there is some "cupping" of the tile~not a good sign.

Larger format tiles...16" or so are more popular, but do require a flatter floor and more expertise to install.

Are you hiring this out or DIY?

I am hiring it out. It will be part of a new home that I am building. I figure about 1000 square feet or so in the basement.

Is there a particular brand that I should look for?

No particular brand. There can be tremendous variations from brand to brand. Use my suggestions and make sure all the material is from the same lot.