The only ones I've bought that are expensive are the ones that come with papers for paper piecing. I think in the $70-$80 range.
I'm able to figure out a lot of designs by looking at the pictures, so I don't buy a lot of patterns. So when I find something I really like that might be harder to figure out, I don't mind paying the money for it. I also justify it by saying I can afford them while I'm still working, so I'll have them when I retire and might not have as much disposable income.
I need to be slapped up for buying machine embroidery designs. I'm sure I've already got a lot I'll never use.