“if your goal is to transfer, you should start at the least expensive option”
You should certainly start at a school that is affordable. If you take your first two years at an affordable school, and then transfer to a higher ranked school, you still get your degree from the higher ranked school.
Also, if you are going to start at one university hoping to transfer, make an effort to keep your grades up. Stay ahead in your work and do not party unless you are well ahead in every class that you are taking. Also, as @balletkat says, “do not put all your eggs in one basket” when you are looking to transfer.