Yes, if you think sticks are expensive in USA you should come to the UK, the price is crazy, some stores charging the equivalent of 16 USD for a bog std zildjian 5B or vf 5an - nuts.
I am sooooo glad I did a massive bulk buy when quality sticks were hugely discounted this has saved me a huge amount, but seemed a bit over the top/gamble at the time. Obviously you can only do this if you know you will be using the same stick size years ahead. Having said that you can't really go wrong with 5b or 5a. and yes if I am playing a lot it's possible to get through a pair a week, so the cost does add up.
I am a medium hitter but have never understood how posters say they make one pair last a year. At home on an e kit maybe, but in a giging situation nahhhh.
So one pair a weekat £10.00 is £520, this is why even as a non-pro it's important to get paid real money for gigs. Ware and general drumming consumables costs are real.