That must be a result of where you live. Had look at the web pages of the biggest Norwegian retailer of kitchen electronics, Elkjøp. You can get weird brand name induction cooktops for less that 300 USD, and well known brands like Electrolux and Simens for slightly more. There is also the ten times more expensive offerings, if that is what you want. That we have no tradition for gas cooking here, could perhaps make a difference.