> I've spoken to a couple recruiters today who say it's uncommon for companies to reimburse applicants for travel

I mean, that’s just a lie.

Even before you consider whether they do it or not, everyone else in this industry does so they’re just lying.

If they company won’t do something as simple as cover your travel costs, and the recruiters are lying to your face, then unless you have no other option I would block these people and forget they exist.