Americans have bought the idea that everything in the US is so cheap, hook line and sinker, and don't question it. As an American living abroad I hear it all the time. Then I actually put up prices and pretty much everything is cheaper but labor where I am. Everything you need - cars, transport, healthcare, education, good quality fresh food - are usually pretty expensive these days in the US. More niche stuff like hobby equipment yes can be cheaper in the US due to market size.