In NY there are some very reliable AMPs

for $200...so I guess it depends on where you live.

I work hard and do OK for myself but trust me I'm not loaded by any stretch. Hobbying is my only hobby and I budget for it. It's only fun if you can do it without guilt.
There are ladies out there in every price range and no one says you have to do this sort of thing on a regular basis. As you said, as in many things you definitely get what you pay for. Some of us hobby weekly or a few times a month and some only a few times a year.
Try entering a price range in the search engine and see what you come up with.

Hobbying is not the same as looking at porn, web cam sites or calling a chat line. If that sort of stuff works for you I'd say stick with it. It's fun and it's certainly less expensive than calling an escort.

We're not all wealthy. I just try to put aside a little at a time. I set my price range where I'm comfortable and go from there. So far, it's worked for me. Sometimes it's a little longer between visits, but I've gotten pretty lucky-only 1 or 2 bad experiences. There are some terrific ladies out there for a very reasonable donation.

Rich? Wealthy? not by any means. I hobby once a month and within my budget.

b-

If you are thinking of taking it to the streets, or even Craig's List.

Getting busted is expensive, but that's nothing compared to divorce court.

Save your pennies and limit yourself as needed, but don't cut corners on safety.

If somebody has 50+ reviews they are not poor by any means.

Some of these ladys charge anywhere from 250 to  upwards of thousands for some porn stars for each appointment.

One person once said this is a hobby not life and death, so if you can't afford don't get yourself out of budget.

I do think most hobbyists are financially better off compared to the average American.

I can afford to hobby once per month.  If I want to do more than that, I'd have to cut down on groceries and other monthly supplies and save up the extra money over time.

My recommendation would be focused less on money and more on quality.  If you have less, simply venture out less but always place your emphasis on safety, high quality, and well reviewed providers.  TER is an excellent resource.  Utilize it!

I have found my hobby experience tends to reflect my own mindset.  You will find that you will get what pay for which is the same everywhere.  Don't expect a champagne experience on a beer budget.

Some guys golf in hopes of the hole-in-one, others hobby for the hole trifecta. -e