I am an average sim racer that just started playing iRacing recently, I would say that it depends on what you want to do.

The iRacing multiplayer experience has been much better than Assetto Corsa, but the actual sim and graphics aren’t too different. Plus with each new car and track costing $12-15, it can be much more expensive. IRacing also doesn’t have options for drifting, or other more niche kinds of sim racing.

I would suggest iRacing if you are looking for a fairly competitive, easy to use multiplayer system for oval, track, or dirt racing, and you are okay with spending quite a bit of money.

But you can also wait for sales during holidays and other events, that’s when I bought it. Or you could look at other good multiplayer options like Le man ultimate and ACC, I haven’t played them much but I’ve heard they’re good.

Hope this helps!