It looks as though we're using the word
reasonable in two different ways, both of which can apply to monetary value. As
Merriam-Webster specifies (and I've only included the bit which pertains to us):
Quote:
rea·son·able
adjective \ˈrēz-nə-bəl, ˈrē-zən-ə-bəl\
Definition of REASONABLE. . . .
c : moderate, fair <a reasonable chance> <a reasonable price>
d : inexpensive
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According to
d., my prosaic interpretation of
reasonable is correct (
i.e., literally less expensive).
But according to
c., the more general sense of pricing -- moderate, fair -- is also correct.
What I like about
d. is that it isn't open to interpretation: A thing is either more expensive than another or it isn't.
But when it comes to pricing vs. value, the word
reasonable itself turns out to be open to reasonable interpretation.