My friend from Europe just recently purchased a copy of the Sims 3 pets via steam, and when he did, i noticed something rather alarming. What i found out is that the price for older titles has DOUBLED...
Maybe watch for sales? I got the base game and a few expansions for $5 each recently through Origin... (didn't end up liking the version of the game but that's another story haha) I've seen it on sale once more for the same since then.