If you're the type of person who only wants to get in shape when your yearly holiday comes along, then no, paying a lot of money for a PT will not make any sense. However, if you're someone who has always wanted to change the way they look, always wanted a better body, always wanted that increase in confidence, then yes, the money is definitely worth it. I advise my clients and others that you can always make cut backs in your day to day, week to week expenditure, in order to pay for something that you truly want. If you're unwilling to give up your weekend booze nights and fancy meals out in order to pay for a PT, then hiring one is simply not for you. It all depends on your goals and commitment.
One tactic that many people use is to buy a small block of PT sessions to 'get them going'. This will be enough time with a decent PT who can show you what to do, how to do it, give advice on your diet and lifestyle, and as long as you're paying attention you'll pick up the basics fairly quickly and can take it form there (if you can't afford to keep paying for the PT).
Choosing a PT is a whole other story. It can be pot luck sometimes really, however in the modern day, it can be a little easier - with the use of the internet! Find a few PT's online and google them, search for them on social media, see the kind of content they are putting out there and the feedback they get. If you come across a PT who only ever puts content relating to him/her selling products/plans, then move along. Those who are only trying to 'sell sell sell' are mostly just interested in the money, not actually helping individuals. Even some of the top guys out there give A LOT away for free - Jamie Alderton for example. He gives a lot of free content over Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Periscope, Facebook Live and so on. With saying that, even if you come across someone who seems amazing, it is all about that 'personal connection' - you may have your first session and find that you don't like their style, or simply don't get on with them. It's YOUR money at the end of the day, so don't stay with someone unless you feel that it's right.
Bottom line? Yes, it is totally worth paying out for a personal trainer if your head is in the game and you're serious about getting results. Trying to do it on your own could very easily result in many years of trial and error, which will lead to frustration due to the lack of results.
Lee Gregory Fitness