I don't worry much about Lego prices. Sure it may seem expensive, but so long as you purchase the sets you want when there is a sale and such or when on vacation and see that it's cheaper elsewhere... you should be able to get what you want for a reasonable price without spending too much.
Remember... this is quality stuff here, even if a set is on sale it's still quality stuff, but if you can't or don't want to purchase a set cause it's too expensive at first... wait... shop around... you might find it cheaper elsewhere... but don't start going for them cheap knockoffs like Shifty! >:-( :-/