Yeah cooking is my biggest cost sink but things you consume I feel are more fun to be serious about.

Honestly the costs aren't all that ridiculous. Bar something like a Dutch oven most good anodized steel woks only cost like $50 at a restaurant supply store. Cast iron pans and some stainless steel weren't too bad either.

The problem is just that you have to buy a dozen different tools that each cost a little more than you think and the total cost is way higher than you think.

I will definitely agree that spices are the most shockingly expensive part as my little side cabinet of jars probably costs more than my entire record collection when you realize that I have 3 different types of cinnamon and Hungarian paprika, and smoked cumin, stacks of dried vanilla pods and more.