Get pH test strips. I got like 200 strips for about $7 on Amazon, with delivery. They work great. You dont get SUPER exact measurements, but within .1. And that's been good enough for me. Testers get within .01. Then just use the right amount of pH Down and retest.
Also, try making a bunch of water at the same time(6-7 days worth). That will save strips for the budget farmer. imp: