Is Guild Wars 2 paid?

I've been hearing a lot about Guild Wars 2 lately, and it seems like an interesting game. However, as a gamer on a budget, I'm always cautious about investing in paid games. So, I must ask, is Guild Wars 2 a paid game? Do I need to purchase the game upfront to access the content? Or is there an option for a free-to-play model? If it's paid, are there any additional costs for in-game items or subscriptions? Understanding the financial aspect is crucial for me before diving into a new game, so I hope you can provide me with a clear answer.