Something else to keep in mind when thinking about all of this:

You aren't stuck with the gears that come on the bike.

Admittedly changing a whole crank is $$$, but there are some cheaper alternatives to modifying gearing. For instance, if you are close and just need a little lower you can change the rear cassette ($40-100 depending on quality level you go for). For something slightly more dramatic you can change the low chainring in front (on many cranksets) to something lower.

These options can be slightly limited depending on the individual bike (brand/type of crank, derailleur types), but they are worth discussing with the shop before purchase. Especially if the only thing keeping you from buying a bike you otherwise love is a fear that it won't be geared low enough.

Some shops may even be willing to make these swaps for you at the time of sale for little to no cost if the bike is going to obviously be too high for you. (And if you really want a triple it's worth asking them what they can work out in that situation as well. That does involve some more expensive part changes (possibly front derailleur and whole crank), but they may be willing to work something out that makes it worth it to you. Certainly worth asking, especially if it's a deal-breaker).