I'm guessing that part of the equasion is knowing where to look. For
example, here in Phoenix you can definitely find $8-$10/bf cherry - at
the usual suspects like Rockler, Woodcraft. And there are also
specialty shops like Woodwoker's Source that have an outstanding
selection but high-ish prices (when they're not having a sale,
anyways). But if you look you can also find less expensive places like
Spellmans, which is more of a contractor warehouse but will sell to the
general public, and Timber which is a medium-sized family owned shop in
Mesa. Both of those places have nice hardwoods that are favorably
priced compared to the others - and often the difference is 60%-100%
between them and the big guys, for the same species and cut.

Not knowing what the situation is in other markets, I'm sure it's
easier to find high prices than good ones - but maybe there are local
woodworking clubs or other resources that can point you towards better
deals?

PQ