Life is actually simple, we just tend to complicate it.
We only need a few basic things to survive, yet people often make life more complicated than it needs to be. A huge house isn’t necessary as long as there is a safe shelter that protects us from the rain, snow and heat, that is already enough. Food doesn’t have to be expensive; we can even grow our own. Education doesn’t always have to come from costly schools, because learning can happen anywhere.
I agree with you, life becomes expensive because of the lifestyle we choose. When our lifestyle goes beyond what we can afford, that’s when stress starts to build up.
RE: The ego is expensive, living isn't