Can you do $100-$120? You will have them for many years. I ask because, just off the top of my head, 40 is way too low. You need a cage big enough for them both to fly. I will still look, but I feel like the 100 range is more realistic.
Will you be sexing your birds before getting them? I ask because parakeets can be weird in certain mixes and just because you get 2 birds, does not mean they will get along, so something to keep in mind. Definitely make sure that you do not give them any snuggle huts, tents, hollows, or shadowy cubbies/boxes etc. You do not want them in hormonal mode...
A lot of the cheaper cages (aside from being too small) have really bad feeding designs and cleaning features. You want to get one with opening food slots if at all possible, otherwise, you are having to reach in each time-- which is not always appreciated. A pull-out poop-tray with a pull out grate over the top of it is also something that will make life MUCH easier.
So...this, for instance, is out of your price range, and I know it seems excessive, but parakeets are very active.. They need space to fly, but also for toys. Something like this, would give them a lot of room and space for the variety of toys they need. Remember, they are just as smart as larger parrots (just in smaller packages). It's also a fairly trusted brand by most people-- great reviews at $120-- so for 50 dollars more. Birds aren't cheap though-- please make sure you have stuff saved. We had a parakeet when I was young and I wish I knew then what I know now because I think she lived a fairly under-stimulated life...sad. I had no idea that they are as intelligent as they are -- on par with larger species..
https://www.amazon.com/Great-Companions-Large-Bird-Cage/dp/B00176F5L0?th=1
I'll keep looking, but that one (above) is what I would recommend if you are able to save a little.
There is a less ideal one for 89 ish by Zaney something (or Zeney?) but at least one poster is saying it gave their bird lead poisoning, which can and DOES happen with lesser known brands-- especially those produced in certain places.
Just a heads-up-- if you get a cage with those smooth built-in dowel perches, you should change them out. You want manzanita, dragon wood and natural textures/widths (they need variety of perches). ParrotWizard makes custom perches with variation to fit cross-cage measurement if you are interested-- I buy them a lot, but you can buy non-custom for less. Dowels can lead to a disease called bumble foot. Similarly, do not ever get those perches wrapped in sand-paper-- parakeets can ingest the sand and become ill, but it can also be hard on their feet. If you are looking for a nail/beak perch, do natural pumice and make sure that it isn't too wide for your parrots.
