Here is a great post by mincepi which shows how to enable VGA output on a Pi Zero for less than $5

The vga666 by Gert is already a low cost VGA output option for the Pi. But we can do better with the Zero! We’ll use 16 bit output instead of 18 bit: this frees up the SPI and I2C ports with little loss in quality. The resistors can be soldered between the Zero and the adapter, making the PCB smaller and eliminating a connector. I’ve determined that 5% resistors are good enough: no need for higher cost 1% units. By not using the middle row of pins in the HD15 connector, we can straddle-mount it on the PCB edge. Finally, the connector can be male, so the Zero will connect to the monitor ChromeCast style: no VGA cable needed. (This connector could even be scrounged from an old VGA monitor cable for free!) If you order the boards from OSHPark, it will cost $4.95 for three copies. Enough resistors and connectors to build three will cost $5.92 from Digi-Key. That works out to $10.87 to build three, or $3.62 each!

 

Source: Super low cost VGA output for the Pi Zero • Hackaday.io