Bath and Body Works candles are quite popular. I love the smell of Harvest Peach even though I typically go for floral scents. Their 3-wick candles run about $22.50 but you can often find them on sale for around $12.
Voluspa candles are also great! They come in beautifully packaged in tins or glass jars. There are so many wonderful scents and did I say that the packaging was beautiful?? Candles run from $8-$16 for a tin.
I'm also a big fan of Diptyqtue candles. The price is a little out of my price range, about $60 for regular sized and $30 for the mini size. But the packaging is beyond chic!
I was picking up some shampoo and other goodies at Target yesterday when I stumbled across their candle aisle. The collection is extensive and inexpensive. What's best is they carry a variety of brands. I stumbled across a candle by Melt that was Tea Rose & Peony...an exquisite scent and only $10 for a rather large size.
Tip: If you too are a bit too afraid to keep a candle in your apartment or house you could always try a room spray or a diffuser!