I do think inflation and rent increases are pushing this to some extent. One guy I go to spends a lot on just doing laundry. Plus some aren’t doing as many as they used to in a week because they are being selective or the clients aren’t coming as frequently due to Covid—yet their overhead is still the same. And then others are just pushing the market to see what people will pay. Like you say, some of these guys give a mediocre massage at best and it isn’t worth it to me or you—but perhaps it is ok for others.
In NYC I think the norm was more like 140-160 (for sensual plus or erotic) and now it is 180-200 and in several cases 250. And that’s for 60 mins.