All Vodka is the same, the differences only come in the filtration, water, and marketing. And primarily it's the marketing. Now I don't prefer the real CHEAP stuff as it is not filtered enough to remove the impurities and to smooth out the taste. Monarch and Popov can do a number on your stomach, at least it has on mine. :)
But I wouldn't spend over $15 or $20 bucks on a large bottle either. All your paying for there is a high end marketing program. Try the Svedka...trust me.
Since I live in Washington State, THEY sell all the hard liquor. I don’t recall ever seeing Svedka on sale there, but I’ll look next time.