This is almost a necessary function of rising living standards. For all the flaws of urban living, there are beneficial economies of scale that come with some degree of population density. Medical services, fire protection, and even such things as clean water and sanitary sewer systems are rarely feasible in rural or semi-rural areas.
I and millions of others do just fine with rural life and prefer it.
Viewed from the present, I would say it's a function of falling living standards. As soon as workers had enough money to bolt to the suburbs after WWII, they did. Only from the standpoint of the oligarchy is forcing Americans back to 19th century wages and living standards an improvement in "efficiency." Think of the hourly productivity of a slave plantation: apart from a small fixed cost for a modicum of food, minimal clothing and housing, the cost of labor is nothing.
I would add clean water is readily available in rural areas via wells as is fire protection through self-organized volunteer fire companies. Medical resources are obviously scarcer, but you also get cleaner air, less crime, etc..
Given the size of the American market and natural resources available, there isn't any reason for housing and transportation to be so expensive except for the deliberate policies of the oligarchic managerial class in both government and business.