To answer the OP's question, you should probably just stick to regular or classic fit jeans. That's about the best middle ground for fit but not baggy that you'll get. Not that you couldn't get away with something more fitted, but at your size you're running the risk of feeling too compressed. One other thing you'll want to pay attention to is the rise. The rise shows where the jeans are going to button up on your frame. If you want it right at your waist, again, stick to classic fits. Lower means that you're getting into lower abs, closer to the hips. It becomes a limbo game from there.
I know salespeople can be obnoxious in stores. But please, please, please ask them for help if you're struggling. People who work at a store tend to know how jeans fit and can help you shop around. I don't know about you, but if I'm trying on several pairs of jeans, it's nice to have someone give you an eye-over and tell you if it looks okay, and to help fetch pairs if you're struggling a bit.
Finally, as much as it pains me to say this (because I know how expensive clothes are getting nowadays), you do get quite a bit of what you pay for in the price. No one likes taking a $50, $60, $70, and more hit for a pair of jeans. Unlike most other clothes, you definitely get more quality in expensive denim. You can wear them long, they'll survive washing, and you can beat 'em up and wear them out quite a bit before they start to fray. (I wish shirts had that same analog of quality.)
Good luck, bud. As shitty as finding those jeans sounds now, when you do, then you can forego the store altogether and shop online for the same brand and size and get them for cheaper.