Ugh, I think there was one time, a few years ago, where it actually did reach $5 a gallon here.  I even think I saw a station charging $6 a gallon, too!  Luckily, at that time, my job paid me mileage that covered my entire gas bill, almost.  Now, I'm unemployed, but I don't drive as much or don't have to.  I had to get a new car a couple of years ago.  I tried to get the most fuel efficient, lower priced car I could, but it could not match the mileage I got from my previous car.
Public transportation here is so expensive, too!  It can cost something like $70+ for some monthly passes.  I never spent that much on gas per month and I don't pay much for insurance, either.