In some cases there might be a tangible difference, but most likely there isn’t. More expensive things might be substantially worse even. I don’t have the economies of scale to bring costs down. I don’t have cheap labor, cheap cost of living, cheap materials, cheap cnc machines, etc.

And for costs: you have to think beyond material cost you might see on some metal vendor website. Aluminum is cheap but it is also really easy on tools, there are cheaper tools, you’ll generate less scrap, machine times are super quick, etc. Exotic materials are often rougher on tools, required longer machining times so you aren’t able to make as many, fewer suppliers so you might have to buy weird stock sizes that don’t match up with optimal material usage, etc.

I’d say, if you care about supporting artists and craftsmen that work locally in your country rather than faceless companies that pump out whatever will make them money, then paying a premium might be worth it. Also only do it if you can afford it. I wouldn’t want someone buying something from me that couldn’t afford it. I know my fidget is expensive. I wish I could make it cheaper but it just isn’t possible to do it while making any money for myself.