You have to take in to consideration it being a pet store. All pet stores are high priced, thats how they stay open. Hes not going to give you the same prices you would get online from a breeder because he has bills to pay.
As far as the cages being dirty I cant justify that. Ive been there numerous times and noticed a couple of the cages here and there being a little dirty but with a couple thousands of animals you cant expect it to be spotless.
However Im just giving my 2 cents, because I live 15 minutes from there. Like I said Im not justifying dirty cages or sick animals but would really like to see the pics of cages you have as I havnt been there in a couple weeks.