This is a very interesting point that you bring up. A coral's price can depend on many factors including but not limited to -
- The type of coral - SPS generally are more expensive than soft corals or zoanthid frags
- The color of the coral - Brightly colored corals will fetch a higher price
- Current market demand - What some people consider the current "hot" coral will usually drive prices up
- Rate of growth
- Selection at local LFS - obviously coral selection and supply will vary greatly from major cities on the coasts where corals are imported and rural areas where aquarium stores are not as common
- How rare the specimen is
Trading corals with other hobbyists is a great way to add some variety to your tank. Don't worry if you do not currently have a lot to trade. Start off with a few colorful easy to grow corals like green star polyps, xenia, toadstools, sinularia, mushrooms, etc. Before you know it you will have plenty to trade. Is there a local marine aquarium society that you could join? Also talk to your local stores to find what is in high demand and focus your efforts on growing that. Xenia is a coral that is a notoriously bad shipper which makes it an ideal candidate for propagation for local sales.
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But the question that looms large for me is whether or not I am paying too much for a coral. For example: The only major coral I have is a Blushing Finger Leather, which I paid $30 for.
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$20-$30 dollars for a blushing leather frag of the size that you have bought is not unreasonable from a LFS. Most people do not realize how much overhead a LFS has and how slim some of their margins are.
Look around online for corals you are interested in and calculate the best price you can find plus shipping charges and most local stores will at least attempt to price match or come close.