Well, a lot of labor goes in to making things like electronics. The supply chain and regulatory compliance are very complicated, and the margins are very thin (highest I've seen is 15%, maybe exceeded by some exceptions like Apple but usually it is less).

So small changes to the hard costs, distribution, tax status, labor costs, shipping costs, duties, or regulatory burdens would affect the end price. For electronics at least, it's a pretty complex equation.

Anyway, I've got good news! You've got it relatively easy. Here in Vietnam, land prices are much higher. Want a reasonably modern house 90 minute drive from HCMC? If you are university educated, and so is your partner, and you have no kids, and no luxury expenses... I worked out you could afford it, if you save for about 40 years and prices don't go up. No yard or anything -- just a 100 square meter plot fileld to the brim with a concrete house.

Food is cheap here, at least! You would be shocked at land prices in Asia though.