I have been ordering lye from Bramble Berry and WSP, but finally found a local source (Middle Georgia USA) for 100% lye at the Ace Hardware Store. It was $9.59 USD for 32 ounces (907 grams).
I order my lye on Amazon. I buy Belle Chemical's lye (sodium hydroxide.) If I buy 10 pounds in 2 pound containers, it's $49.99.
That seems like about the same price as yours.
I bought a 30lb container from a local soap company for about 50.00. However, I prefer smaller containers because of the moisture and clumping. I have tried different brands from different distributors. At the end of the formula, lye is lye.