How about wood laminate? It's not as pricey as real wood, doesn't scratch like real wood and cleans up very nicely. I have real wood in my kitchen...beautiful, but wouldn't do it again, it scratches too easily. I have wood laminate in my downstairs and my dining room...looks like real wood, but doesn't scratch. It is louder than the real wood. I have had tile too and you seal the grout, so cleaning shouldn't really be an issue (but get dark grout, not light). Tile also can be loud (echoey). I hate linoleum, but I hear there is new kinds out that are easier to keep clean. I prefer the wood laminate over everything I have put down in the past. If you have an Ikea near you, they have the least expensive wood laminate I have found, or Costco has good prices too.
