Folks in the continental US have what I think are the best shipping rates and options in the world. I can certainly understand why something might seem high because you're generally accustomed to low, reasonable rates.
I live in a rural area and we shop quite a bit on-line so pay shipping all the time. International shipping is a killer, in or out of the country. I've paid more in shipping than the value of the item simply to have something not otherwise available.