The price which can be charged for a flight depends on the alternative methods of getting to the same place.
If the flight is the only viable way to get there the price is irrelevant, there are plenty of places in the world where there is no viable alternative. OTOH in developed nations such as the USA there is almost always a good road or rail link which just takes more time. Here the extra cost of the flight needs to be justified against the cheaper but longer option and prices are under pressure.
Contrary to common belief life does exist outside of the USA.
