Best Alternative for Visual Studio Express?

Right now I'm using Visual Studio Express for writing, editing, linking and compiling (C++). However, buying the application is just too much, like $1,200 at least. Right now, I'll be sticking with the Express edition, but for future reference: does anyone know where I can get an open source IDE that is similar to this one for working with C/C++? Or individual compilers, linkers, editors (etc.).