Paid $500 shipped for my Falken Azenis Sports 245/45-17s. Very grippy, sidewalls stiff enough to put up with almost any abuse. Heavy though, and the tall profile makes them look huge on my car. Also, the huge tread blocks may cause hydroplaning to occur rather easily with any amount of standing water.
Paid about $520 for 245/40-17 Kumho Ecsta MXs. They were very grippy as well but the sidewalls didn't hold up very well for autocross... maybe in part due to me overdriving the car, but still the wear marks 1/3 the way up the lettering on the sidewall didn't inspire confidence. I think they would have held up better with higher pressures and slightly better driving. I'd say they're better for all-around driving than the Falkens, specifically they should fare better in the wet.