I think Carefresh can work out quite expensive. Also Kaytee Clean n Cozy and Oxbow paper bedding are supposed to be a bit less dusty, but Carefresh is very popular too.
The best way to manage substrate really, is to put it in as deep as you can and then spot clean and use a potty litter tray, and not do big cage cleans too often. By having the substrate deep it allows your hamster to dig tunnels possibly, cushions falls and you actually save on substrate as usually only the top part or odd spots, gets soiled and you can reuse the bottom part. It's also better for the hamster not to change all the substrate at once so their habitat and floorspace still smells familiar to them.
Erin's hamsters has a very good video on cage cleaning tips and how to avoid causing stress to the hamster during cage cleans. I've added the link below.
Aspen can be a good substrate for hamsters and bought in bulk quite cheaply - if you can find that where you are. Reptile shops and stores usually sell it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jVnEjrXbww
I think the US minimum recommended cage size has changed from 360 square inches to 450 square inches - not 100% sure on that though. In the Uk we go with cage dimensions and the RSPCA recommend a minimum of 80cm by 50cm floor space in a cage. So that's the kind of size floorspace to aim for
Most pet shops cages are far too small and it's also not possible to fit a Syrian sized hamster wheel in them. An 11" wheel is a good size for a Syrian hamster. The wheel needs to be big enough that they can run with their back in a straight line. If the wheel is too small they can get back pain and spinal problems and can start unusual behaviours to try and tell you there is a problem with the wheel (like bar chewing or not using the wheel). Most cages are sold with a small wheel of about 6" or less, which is only big enough for dwarf hamsters.
If it's difficult to find larger cages, a cheap option can be to make a bin cage. Something like this Samla bin from Ikea. It's about the smallest you would want to go as although it is 78cm long that is maximum measurements and the base is narrower. You cut panels out of the front and top and fix mesh to them to ventilate them.
SAMLA Box - IKEA