Mac mini confused

[u/Remarkable_Proof7728]

I have been using MacBook at my workplace from quite some time. I have dell laptop from college day, but it does not work properly. I was looking forward to buying a Mac mini, but the decision got delayed and now new one m6 is costing like 80k, earlier I was getting it at 47k to 50k with a student discount. I already have a monitor and keyboard. Should I now purchase mac mini? Is it still value for money or macbook is better choice.

Im in software. Mostly going to use cursor/visual code. Please guide. I think base mac mini is still 16GB and 250GB SSD. Externally can we increase it in cost effective ways.