Latex is free.
Learning is not that difficult, it depends on the level of mastery you aspire.
For example I can use tex enough, in the sense that I can do all ordinary things with it. However, one of the beauties of Tex is that there are very few limits on the things you can do with it. So many people I now are much more proficient in using latex.
Programming experience is not necessary but helpfull.
There are tons of great recources for Latex.
A classic text is the famous "not so short introduction to latex":
http://tobi.oetiker.ch/lshort/lshort.pdf
The ultimate website for tex is:
the Comprehensive TeX Archive Network
In my experience it helps a lot if a friend or teacher helps you the first couple of times you are using Latex (if you haven't a lot compu experience like myself).
Many universities have Scientifice workplace on their computers which is a more user friendly tool. If you have the time however, learn latex you will not regret it.
Good luck