European sizes are unisex. A men's 38 is the same length as a women's 38, and so on. A given euro size corresponds to different men's and women's US sizes.

However, even though lengths for a 38w and a 38m are the same, women's shoes are sometimes made on a women's specific last with narrower heels. Some brands may be narrower overall in the women's fit as well.

I wear size 39 in Sidi, and I have women's 39 Sidi mountain shoes and men's 39 Sidi road shoes. They fit mostly the same, definitely the same length and they fit pretty similarly overall, but the women's is definitly narrower in the heel and maybe a tiny bit less volume overall.

You should be able to get a beginner shoe for between $100-$150. If you can catch a deal at Performance/Nashbar, you might get them for considerably less, but you need to know which brands fit your foot.