Perhaps prices are higher because we don't have rare breeds? There are only around 8 breeds of chickens to choose from around here. Prices get really high if you want show quality birds. I saw day old Silkie chicks being sold for $40 because parents won some show or another.Quite a bit for a mix.
Rare/Critically Endangered breeds like Malay, I'd charge about $30 - $35 per chick.