Same deal for me as I fly out of LAX. This year the cheapest I found around New Years was the mid $800's, unless I wanted to fly on nickel and dime you Spirit which was a bit cheaper.
I typically book each way separate as I have airline miles to factor in. This year I am flying back from Ja first class on US Airways and only paying the taxes. If you are disciplined with credit cards it's the way to go. I pay for whatever I can with them and do my best to pay them off. Has worked so far at least.....