There must be a lot more competition in these cities than other places, lots of old fashioned mom and pops that bring down the average price. Most 'Supercuts' places around here (about as cheap as you can get) are at minimum $15-$20. Mid range about $25. Don't even ask about the places my wife goes.
I had a $10 Chinese haircut recently where the cutter didn’t understand my request and gave me a standard do which I without my eyeglasses couldn’t watch happening.