You're right, they aren't as impressive. But as a current resident in Boston, I'd say that this isn't my reality. See my comment below for details, but outside of petrol, which is criminally cheap here, everything else at least feels more expensive than in the UK.
Internet and TV ~1.5x as expensive. Mobile phone plan ~2x as expensive. Simple things like fresh fruit and veg at least 1.5x. Utilities ~2x as expensive.