I'd be tempted to go for a combo, or head and single cab. There are advantages/disadvantages either way.
My personal preference when I was gigging a lot was a combo, and I certainly think you get more for your money with combos than you do with separates, but you don't have an upgrade path with a combo like you do with separates. But if you buy a good quality combo, you don't necessarily need one!
Another thing to bear in mind is the flexibility to add another cab to your combo for bigger gigs if required.
My personal wish list for a combo would be: Ideally 500w total output (you don't need to use it all, but it's best to have it on tap), 1x12 (bare minimum!)/1x15/vertical 2x10/vertical 2x12 internal speakers, option to add external cab if required, light weight.
The Puma I had ticked all the boxes and fit in the boot of a Skoda Fabia with acres to spare. You won't find THAT many that do within budget though. Buying nowadays I'd be looking at the Fender Rumble 500 V3 2x10 combo, Eich/Tecamp 2x12 (expensive though!), Markbass have a few combos that fit the bill and I'm sure there are plenty of other options I've not thought of...