33 Things That Are Criminally Overpriced

In a world where value and cost often seem disconnected, some items carry price tags that defy reason. Whether it's due to demand, branding, or simply perceived value, these products can empty wallets at an alarming rate.

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We’ll explore 33 things that are criminally overpriced - a journey into the realm where cost and common sense don't always align. Hopefully, this article is enlightening and perhaps helps you think twice about what you might be spending your hard-earned money on - and why.

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1. Human Pharmaceuticals

It's shocking how a simple label change can drastically affect the price of medication! In this case, a chelation drug for dogs was quoted at over $3,000 for humans. But, when it was labeled for dogs, with chicken flavor added, the cost plummeted to just $60. That's a whopping 98% decrease! Truly, the pricing is mind-boggling.

2. Funerals

Funerals, sadly, often come with a hefty price tag. From the polished casket to the fancy flower arrangements, every detail is costly. It's outrageous that, during a time of grief, families are burdened with such sky-high bills. There should be a way to honor our loved ones without breaking the bank.

3. Mattresses

Mattresses can feel like a total rip-off! They cost an arm and a leg because they use pricey, high-quality materials. Some even have fancy tech inside. Plus, companies know we keep our mattresses for ages, so they price them high. It's like buying a mini car, but all you do is sleep on it!

4. Inkjet Cartridges

Inkjet cartridges, despite their small size, carry a hefty price tag. It's almost as if they're made of liquid gold, not ink! The cost to produce these little gadgets is surprisingly low, yet the selling price is sky-high. This isn't fair on us consumers, who are left digging deep into our pockets for something so essential yet so overpriced.

5. College Books

College textbooks are insanely expensive! It's like they're made of gold or something. You might spend hundreds, even thousands, on books you'll only use for a few months. This seems so unfair, right? We need these books for our education, but the prices can really empty our wallets!

6. Inhalers

Inhalers, essential for those with asthma, are outrageously pricey. It's hard to believe that something so vital to breathing can cost an arm and a leg. People need these pocket-sized life-savers, and it's shocking that they're not more affordable. Action needs to be taken to make these necessary items less of a financial burden!

7. Rituximab Infusions

It's hard to believe, but rituximab infusions for a rare kidney disease cost a whopping $16,000 each! For just a four-hour treatment, that's an eye-watering price. To make matters worse, these crucial treatments aren't even covered by insurance. It's a prime example of how some necessary medical treatments can have an absurdly high cost.

8. Purchasing Tickets Online

Purchasing tickets online can be a surprise when service fees sneak up on you. These extra charges are added on top of the ticket price, making the total cost skyrocket. It's like paying for a pricey dinner just to get into the concert or game! This is a clear case of an item that's outrageously overpriced.

9. Hummus

Hummus in the US is treated like a fancy, foreign delicacy. A small tub can cost you $5 or more! Despite being a simple blend of chickpeas, tahini, and spices, it's marketed as an exotic, high-end condiment. This definitely feels like we're paying a premium for something that should be more reasonably priced!

10. EpiPens

EpiPens are unbelievably overpriced! It's just a tiny device that delivers a life-saving dose of epinephrine yet costs a small fortune. They're charging us a king's ransom just to stay alive during an allergy attack. This eye-watering price tag is surely enough to make anyone gasp!

11. Scalpers

Scalpers are the ultimate party poopers! They snap up all the cool stuff, like concert tickets and trendy gadgets, only to resell them at sky-high prices. It's a wild world where your favorite toy or latest game console might cost you a small fortune, all thanks to these profit-hungry scalpers!

12. Airport Food and Drinks

It's a real kicker when you're at the airport and find out that a simple snack or drink costs a small fortune! These airports seem to think we're all made of money. Just because we're stuck waiting for our flights doesn't mean we should be forced to pay through the nose for a sandwich or a bottle of water!

13. Suitcases

Suitcases are a prime example of over-the-top pricing. It's just a bag on wheels, right? But no, they slap on a fancy brand name, and suddenly, you're shelling out big bucks for something that's going to get thrown around by baggage handlers anyway. It's like they've forgotten it's meant to carry clothes, not gold bullion!

14. Weddings

Weddings have a knack for draining wallets! From the towering, multi-tiered cakes to the professional photographers capturing every moment, the costs can skyrocket. It's like adding the word "wedding" to anything magically inflates its price. While these aspects are essential for the big day, it's baffling how expensive they can be!

15. Insulin

Insulin, vital for people with diabetes, has an outrageous price tag. It's like charging a fortune for air! Even though it's essential for health, its cost has shot up dramatically. This heavy burden on pockets is unfair for those relying on it daily. It's about time we called for reasonable pricing for such necessary medicines.

16. Mental Healthcare

Mental healthcare, a vital necessity, often comes with an eye-popping price tag. It's outrageous that people have to dig deep into their pockets for such a crucial service. This isn't just a little unfair; it's downright absurd! Affordable mental health services should be everyone's right, not some expensive luxury.

17. Rent

Rent is one of those things that can seem ridiculously overpriced. You end up paying a big slice of your hard-earned money every month just to have a roof over your head! It's like buying a small mountain of candy only to receive a tiny piece. This astronomical pricing really needs a reality check.

18. Tampons

It's a real puzzle why something as necessary as tampons can cost so much. These essential items, used by millions of women worldwide, often carry an exorbitant price tag. It's like paying a premium for buying bread or milk - it simply doesn't make sense! We need to rethink this pricing madness.

Because they’re so expensive, more states are calling for schools to provide free access to tampons and other menstrual supplies to students in order to ensure equitable access across socioeconomic groups.

19. Toiletries

Toiletries, essential for daily hygiene, often come with a startlingly high cost. It's like being asked to pay a small fortune for basic items like toothpaste or soap! This pricing situation is absurd and demands a serious rethink. Everyone should have affordable access to these daily necessities.

20. Feminine Sanitary Products

Feminine sanitary products are ridiculously overpriced! These items, absolutely essential for every woman, are priced like luxury goods. This makes it difficult for many to afford them. The situation needs to change - no one should have to break the bank for basic necessities!

21. Beers at Events

At many events, the price of beer seems absurdly high. You're there to enjoy yourself, but each sip of that frothy beverage drains your wallet more than it quenches your thirst. It's like they're asking for gold in exchange for liquid barley! This is a classic case of overpricing that leaves many patrons shaking their heads in disbelief.

22. Frames

Frames, particularly those for artwork or photos, are shockingly expensive. It's astounding how these simple borders for our treasured memories can drain our pockets. Their sky-high prices might make you think they're crafted out of precious metal. This pricing is hardly justifiable - a mere frame should never cost more than a fancy dinner!

23. Education

Education, a vital tool for success, is alarmingly pricey. It's baffling how acquiring knowledge and skills can burn a hole in your pocket. The towering costs might lead you to believe that education is a luxury item. But it shouldn't be! It's outrageous that learning could cost more than a brand-new car.

24. Diamonds

Diamonds, these shiny stones, can drain your bank account! You would think that something so small wouldn't make your wallet cry, but it does. Despite their beauty, the high price tag often doesn't match their true value. It's a hard pill to swallow, but many believe we pay way too much for these glittering gems.

25. Diapers

Diapers, an essential item for all babies, often come with a surprisingly high price tag. Despite being used only once and then thrown away, they can cost more than some toys or clothes. It's baffling and exasperating that we're expected to pay so much for these basic necessities. The inflated prices of these must-haves appear to be absolutely unfair!

26. Underwear

Underwear, a simple necessity, often carries a substantial price tag. These small pieces of fabric, typically hidden from view, can cost as much as a good meal out. It's confusing and frustrating that we are expected to spend so much on such basic items. The high prices of these essentials seem downright unreasonable!

27. Dentistry

Dentistry is notoriously expensive. The desire for a healthy smile shouldn't equate to a depleted bank account. However, the high costs of dental procedures, from cleanings to braces, can significantly lighten your wallet. It feels like spending a significant sum solely for maintaining our dental health.

28. Women's Beauty Products

Women's beauty products, offering flawless skin, shiny hair, and a stunning pout, often come with exorbitant prices. Keeping up with beauty trends seems to demand a substantial financial sacrifice. Given the actual ingredients, these prices seem excessively high. The need for more affordable pricing in this industry has never been greater.

29. Cable TV and Internet

The steep prices we cough up for cable TV and internet are truly startling. In this digital age, these crucial services burden our wallets excessively. It's only fair that we get more worth for our money from these providers, considering that access to information and entertainment should be sensibly priced.

30. Designer Clothes

Designer clothes are often ridiculously overpriced. You're paying a huge sum, mostly for the brand name, not the actual quality or design of the clothing. These high-fashion items can set you back a pretty penny, yet they don't always offer value for money. It's like buying a golden ticket for a regular movie!

31. Gluten-Free Foods

Gluten-free foods can take a toll on your finances! They are usually pricier than standard food items. Take gluten-free bread, for instance; it can cost you more than $7. It feels as though you're penalized financially for your dietary needs. It's about time these indispensable foods became more economically accessible!

32. Baby Formula

The price of baby formula, an essential need for our smallest ones, is alarmingly high. Parents feel the financial strain as they dig deeper into their wallets to purchase this must-have item. It's ludicrous that such a crucial product should be so expensive. There's certainly a need to reconsider this pricing whirlwind.

33. Bottled Water

Bottled water is a glaring instance of an inflated purchase. It's astonishing how much we pay for something that's practically free from our home faucet! The price surge on these bottles is simply exorbitant. It's high time we reassess our decisions and pivot to more budget-conscious alternatives.