Both Marlin and Savage make good cost effective accurate 22 rifles. I don't have a strong opinion about Marlins other than the Model 60 which is a great little semi-auto 22 for the money. I very much recommend the Marlin 39A, but bolt action rifles tend to be more accurate than lever action ones. I have a Savage Mark II Classic.
You pay for out-of-the-box accuracy. Most like the CZ's. I like the new Remington 547 a lot and I like the Weatherby Mark XXII (bolt). But if you want the best, in general you want either a Cooper or Anshutz rifle.
1858: Good rifles for the money. I'd take the 22LR myself, but if I were buying a 22WMR the 983 would be high on my check out list.
Added: In the $500 price range, the CZ452 or 453 are probably the best choice. The Remington, Weatherby, Cooper, Anshutz (cheapest model is around $800 or so) all are more expensive. The Savage Mark II Classic runs close to $500 new, but it is their top of the line rifle model in the Mark II line. The less expensive ones shoot good too. You pay for that walnut stock in the Classic. And yes, I consider it worth it.
What does a few $100 extra buy you in a 22 rifle? Potentially better accuracy, but you are probably talking about a couple tenths of an inch difference. Which by the way is all it takes to win matchs.