I wouldn't call myself a "competitive shooter" but I do shoot a couple different disciplines on occasion for fun. I'm in the same boat as you, I can't justify the cost of burning hundreds of rounds every time I go to the range. So I found out the biggest thing for me is not how many rounds I shoot but making each shot a quality shot. Make each one the best it can be. The other is doing it consistently. Better to shoot 10 perfect shots (as best you can anyway) 1x or 2x per week then to make 100 shots 1x/month .
I was at the range yesterday and there was a fellow there with 3 different match rifles and a boatload of very impressive gear. When I first saw him I thought I should really watch this guy and talk to him and see if I can learn a few things. Well, while watching him shoot prone he was squirming around so much I doubt out of 40 rounds if more than 2 were fired from the same position Then he switched to standing. Shoot 3-4 shots, all different. Turn around a jaw-jack with the peanut gallery that was watching. Shoot a couple more, switch guns, talk some more, put the jacket on, take it off...He was a really nice guy and I enjoyed chatting with him but as far as I could tell all he got from his 100 rounds were bad habits ingrained 100x.
So short story made long, I think it's about how well you shoot not how many you shoot at the range.