Working on the theory that if you are buying cheaper tires, that you are not into performance driving? So under normal circumstances you wont notice any difference.
Now fitting different size or style of tires certainly can affect how the car handles, so don't do that on the same axle.
In normal conditions, it is okay to drive with one different tire, but the car might do something unexpected if you swerve or brake suddenly. I would reccomend option 3 if safety is your top priority. It is safer than option 2 and less costly than option 1.
A tire can be patched multiple times and still be road worthy. If you didn't run it while flat, just have it fixed. $15 to get a car tire fixed here.
you can buy a used tire at half the cost, or simply have the flat tire fixed with a patch on the inside only
Sounds like you have a tough decision on your hands.
