I mean it is expensive, it’s just the amount required for a balloon is insignificant and thus seems cheap.
As a diver who uses helium I can tell you it is, compared to air, so much more expensive they actually charge me for it (rather than just rolled into the cost of a dive) - to the sum of about $300 a dive - depending on depth.
exothermic@lemmy.world 56 minutes ago
Good news everyone! Our national helium reserves have been privatized! Expect rising helium prices soon.