Well it's quite expensive for me because I don't drive a car. The bike is my primary mode of transport, and so I can't take the wheel in for fitting, I have to take the bike, and this makes it a lot more expensive, usually around 0.5 hours labour.
Last time around it was even worse because I was going away on tour but couldn't afford to get both tyres done at once. So I got the front which was needed to be legal and safe before the tour, and the rear the next month after my return. But as the result fitting charges were doubled and totalled 1 hour and £60/hour+VAT = £72, It's a lot for me!
Beyond the cost issue I treat these things as little projects. I enjoy learning how to do little bits on my bike myself, and am always on the lookout for little projects which are within my reach in terms of cost, scale and skill level. Tyres seemed a good option, especially given I get through 2 sets a year. But I'm still at the research stage, getting an idea for if it's sensible or not. So points taken on board as always.
Andy