Jock, my price breaks are as follows.
Inexpensive whisky: McClelland's single malt, highland style $20-22 US. It is not great, but it is drinkable and affordable here.
Low-mid-priced: Glenlivet 12 y.o. and Glenfiddich I think the basic whisky is 8 y.o. ? These run 40-50 USD here in Iowa.
A little more (60-65 USD) will get you a bottle of Clynelish or the younger Dalwhinnie.
Better, higher mid-priced. Oban, Lagavulin, around $70-80 per bottle here.

I can't comment on the higher priced ones, as Oban and Lagavulin are about where I top out so far, for price. Though I was gifted a fine cask strength 16 y.o Glenturret, which retails about 90 USD plus the shipping, and is shiopped only from one exporter in the UK that I can find. And they don't have any, right now, or I would splurge for another of those. It was exceptional.

Oban is my favorite of what I can get, price not a consideration.