Is chrome plating really that costly.

I know a little about this.
1. First, you cannot believe the EPA rules they have to follow with all the caustic chemicals they use. This compliance is not cheap. If the slightest hiccup occurred and a teeny bit of the chemical got into the environment, the chromer gets nailed with a huge fine.
2. the vats of chemicals are not cheap.
3. With all the electrolysis going on, you would not want their electric bill.
4. A reputable chrome will not plate your part until the surface prep is perfect, and that can take several separate layers of copper plating with manual buffing between each layer. The entire process is very labor intensive. The old chrome has to be removed before the process can begin.
I have had things plated at local places a few times. The prices seemed reasonable, but the quality was only good. Paul's Chrome Plating is probably the most expensive, but WOW; you should see their work. WOW. Advance plating in TN is also top notch, and they are a bit cheaper then Pauls. I have also used a place in Oklahoma that does really good work for less than Paul's or Advance. They come to a lot of local (Midwest) swap meets. If anyone is interested, I will look up their name.