I thought they were high too. My BRB was originally priced at $150. That's about the price I would pay if I ordered one online with shipping. I got him to go down though, too $100. I still don't think it's a great price, but the BRB surpassed my expectations. Doug was $40, I won't complain about that, but I do wish he was a little older.
Even some of the accessories were expensive, but I didn't look at thermostats so I don't know how those were priced. Price on rats weren't that great eather, but still cheaper than what I was paying. I fed off a large and a small and I was very happy with the quality of the rats from Charles @ Cider Reptiles and Rodents.