I have everything controlled by WiFi. My watering system is solar, heater, ventilation, humidifier, and the circulating fans. Not to mention the higher electric bills and the nutrients and soil, pots and accessories. I don’t know about you, but I had to buy all that and I’d say yes it is expensive to grow a quality strain. I believe that is why strains are rated to grow from easy to more difficult. I think with my setup I could grow any strain at any condition.
My next expense will be to hire an experienced grower to help me with my trimming and grooming practices. This is only my fifth or sixth grow and I’m still learning with each grow.