My local area is one of the most economically challenged in the country.  This used to translate into lower costs for everything, including time spent with an escort. Admittedly it was years ago, but rates in the $200/hour range were fairly common.  Visiting ladies would often charge less than their normal rate from their big cities back home, in recognition of the realities of this market.  And locals starting out would usually start out in the $200-$250 range. Some would go up to $300 and stay there permanently. Now there's little in that price range. Newbies are starting out at $350 and most established providers want $400. And two of my ATFs charge $500 with no discounts for multiples or multiple hours. Yikes! It's a quick trip to the poorhouse if I let my little head do the thinking.  

That seemed a lot back then.  Overall I don't think a provider charging $500 an hour is excessive. Not sure what their bottom line is after all their overhead but I don't think they peg their services to the rate of inflation.

Advertising gets higher & higher every year. Hotel rates have gone up, not to mention all the little expenses that comes with traveling. Taxie, food ..sometimes internet. The nicer the hotel the more " incidentals " get added to the bill.  

Although you think the economy has not risen a lot, but the stock market has just had a golden bull market since 2009.  Tons of people had made a fortune during the past few years.  If providers can market them at $500 level, it must be supported by hobbyists.  

I see a lot of price increases and followed, in many cases, by decreases when the phone stops ringing. You can't blame a girl for trying but the market will eventually correct. This tends to be a slower time for the P4P business. Christmas bills are coming in for the guys. After a few quiet days a new compensation model will be considered.

As the rates go up so does the quantity and quality of providers. Girls who did not think that $200  per hour was enough for their time are now rethinking their options. College students and young mothers find it hard to work 40 hours a week and only make $10 per hour. Seeing a few clients a week for a few hours solves their money problem. Going rate for a college provider in my area went from $150/200 to $300/400 in just a few years. These are for the most part out of country students; latinas and asians.

HOTEL RATES  have been increasing as well as one of the Top AD sites, websites hosting ,  ETC

Perfectly said!! Xoxoxoxo

Yes, I've noticed that the market there is generally lower priced.  I do need to warm up...

It cost money to travel and to look pretty for gents. My price I only change once since I started but you also have to consider what people demand, travel cost and expenses. I personally grandfather in gents that saw me at certain price but some people demand a lot in my humble opinion. Hey I feel you though, i have paid 700 for a provider that wasn't worth 150, so my advice to you is to do your homework. Personally (and my head isn't big) 300-350 for the quality you get with some providers is a bargain.

I have paid 600,700 and 800 and what a mistake that has been. At the end of the day providers charge whatever they want and people will pay it or not. After seeing Elite providers I should be charging 1k with the performance level I perform. I felt bad for my SO and I did my homework, so at the end of the day you never know what you will get. I have seen providers at 300 that left my jaw on the ground that's how wonderful they were and sweet. Sometimes i think the more the provider charges the bigger her head is. In my humble opinion.

You make me wish I was in NY Roxy!  I agree that the price often bears no correlation to the service.

I've only been hobbying since 2007 and the rates have been fairly steady at 250-350/hr with an occasional 400/hr every now and then.  I also see some visiting ladies want $500/hr but I just move on.  Let's face it, once you get past the price of drive byes is the quality of the experience 100% better?  Even with your ATF?

Is Desire one of those "all inclusive" resorts?
 

though i guess i shouldn't use that phrase on this board, sorry.