Why is verizon so expensive?
Service , by itself is not. Data and buying a $1,000 cell phone on time is when it gets expensive.
A Basic phone with no data is not expensive at all.
The data is expensive because carriers have enacted artificial scarcity to make some money to keep the company on strong financial standings. That is also because it's easier to consume large amounts of spectrum and network capacity using data, than it is to saturate a tower by sending text messages and making phone calls. It's a form of rationing, although many of us don't agree with the methods used.
Why does a BMW cost more than a Ford Fiesta? Both are cars right?
There are cheaper carriers available but you will get what you pay for.