How to get an iPhone 5 from AT&T at the lowest price in the us?

When i went to the store it was 300 and plus 110 a month with a 30 activation fee. Would it be cheaper if i bought my own iPhone somewhere else and connect it with AT&T? How do i get a plan that does not involve a contract. What plan should i get or what should i do to pay the least amount of money a month. Sorry i don't know much it's my first phone from a company that uses contacts.

You should've bought an unlocked iPhone. I'm guessing you bought the 32 gig one, and that would cost $750 for the unlocked version, with no contract or extra fees. You can take unlocked phones to any carrier.