Expenses are more in DC than Richmond/Norfolk/etc., Sherlock.
Then I ask you again: to what would you attribute the fact that I virtually never see a price difference between Black Cat and a similarly sized Richmond or Charlottesville venue?
Example: Jean Jacket Joe and the Bombers play Black Cat or some dump in Norfolk. No matter where you live, guys like az and killsally aren't going to pay more than $8 to $12 to see Jean Jacket Joe and the Bombers.
Example: Wilco plays 930 Club and some dump in Norfolk. Guys like Space will dig deep into their thrifty pockets to maybe pay $60 give or take to see Wilco rock their dad asses off at the 930 Club. While that dump down in Norfolk can most likely only get people to splurge $35 for that show.
Make sense?