Is Maplestory "Cheaper" then before?

I stay steady around $10-20 per month, and I don't feel weak. It's a similar investment to other subscription games, except that most of the stuff I buy is permanent, so it's less about being able to play as improving steadily with cash.

This. While I don't disagree with the majority of the opinions here, well-to-do gear and most importantly enjoyment (cause as already pointed out you can't enjoy the game if you're taking twice as many hits to kill stuff) should only take about $20 a month. A few cubes here and there, a pet and some cash stuff to cover the hideous Scallion/Zakum hat and Dog Mouth and HAIR! Works for me anyway.