Help Picking Out New Guitar

I am thinking of getting a new electric guitar in the next month or two and would like some input from other guitarists. I’ve only been playing since last fall and the only guitar I’ve played is my starter Fender. For the most part I play rock and sometimes blues. I’m looking for something nice but nothing too expensive.

What brands do you recommend and why?

What is the average price of the guitar?

Also, I’ve heard that some guitars are easier to play than others. What’s the difference? I’ve always thought a guitar is a guitar.

Thanks for your input!