I am very interested in purchasing a new DCC starter set so I may get started with that but my question is why it costs so much to buy one.
Cost is cost bro. Shop around and look for the best price possible. ;)
At least the track that comes with them is nickel silver, a huge plus.
dcc costs more because it is much more complex than dc. there are no computer chips in dc locomotives or controllers, with dcc they are in both.
Recommend -- Research and educate yourself about DCC, what is available and what you get for your money. Buy DCC separately provides the best value for your money.
Caveat -- If you have researched one DCC system or component (example- a decoder) and think all the others are the same - you are mistaken!