When did cons become so expensive?

This year I'm on a quest to Do Things. Fairs, fests, open-air markets, that sort of thing. So far it's been a bit of a bust, but I figure winter isn't really the time that many of those things go on, so it's okay.

After googling for interesting fests or fairs in the area (and ending with a general "Ugh, do you know how many people are going to be there? How hot and crowded it will be?" feeling), I decided a con might be a better idea. (Yeah, I know, still lots of people, crowded and smelly, but at least I might be more interested in the subject matter.)

Googling found a number in this general area, so I checked out their websites. The cheapest was $60 for one day. There was no full weekend one cheaper than $75. Seriously? Comic Con is cheaper by $20-$40 for a one day ticket! (Assuming it wasn't sold out in minutes...) A four day ticket to Comic Con is more expensive than some of the three day tickets to the cons around here, but you get so much more...

I know there are costs involved with running a con, and I suppose if you're looking forward to one it's worth paying nearly a hundred for a ticket, but I guess I'm just not that interested. :/