There's a list of 23 directory scripts, I'm sure there's one that maybe right for you and much more affordable.
My understanding from someone who owns that script is that is far and away the best product out there. He has plans for a huge directory with a great deal of advertising options and things that would have to be custom programmed with the less expensive scripts. In his case the customizations would have quickly added up to much more than the difference between the lower priced scripts and eDirectory. That said, I run two directories with eSyndicat and it does everything I need. Only you can answer whether or not it's worth the extra price. It would help if you design your directory on paper and then see what scripts can handle what you envision. Without knowing what you plan to build, no one here can give you appropriate advice.
Guys, this is more of a complete and total web portal/web directory with some really powerful admin features. Remember to compare apples to apples when looking at programming and development costs. This looks like a very nice software suite for the money.
From what I have heard and have known from some directory owners, it indeed IS a powerful script. But with that kinda money another script could probably be awesomely customized too
As aforementioned, it more depends on what you really need. What kind of site you are going to build. I would not argue, that directory solution has few features that cant be found in some other competitor scripts but in some cases even custom mods would cost much cheaper than that ~$1500 value.
Simon - Is eSyndiCat good for making a local business directory? I am looking for something that does search by what and where. Does that make sense?