That’s because everyone has metrics. Landlords have metrics on how much we can bear for housing costs for each income level. Insurance companies know how much the market can bear for their piece. Supermarkets, utilities, gas stations, cellular companies, broadband companies, they all are constantly testing different price ranges to see where the edges are to their particular piece of the pie. Go too far and substitution / demand destruction happens. Constantly monitor everyone’s pie and make sure your slice never shrinks.
And most all of us don’t maintain a slice for savings by simulating a lower standard of living.
Predators and prey. Ain’t life grand?