$250 total is 5 pairs when costing $50. I have not seen the bulbs last a year, but then again I have not used them for the last 18-20 months, since I bought the HID's. Maybe they are making them better now. I had extra money from a tax return and wanted to splurge a bit. Some might not be able to afford them. I also didn't by them for looks (to have the blue look), I got them for their functionality purposes. To each his own