For a project with a limited budget and resources, what key considerations would influence the decision between automated and manual testing?

In a project with limited budget and resources, the key consideration is often the initial setup and tool licensing costs associated with automated testing. While automated testing can bring long-term efficiency gains, the upfront costs may be prohibitive for projects with constraints. Manual testing, on the other hand, may be more cost-effective initially, but the decision should also weigh factors like the availability of skilled testers and the long-term benefits of automation.