Something does not come cheap
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Effort or Sacrifice
Focuses on non-monetary costs like hard work, time, or giving something up. 
Becoming a champion does not come cheap – it takes endless hours of training.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Literal
Used figuratively to express the idea that something is valuable and not easy to obtain. 
True friendship does not come cheap; it's built on mutual respect and trust.
Pro Tip 3/3Emphasizing Consequence
The phrase adds weight to the importance or seriousness of the effort required. 
Rebuilding the city after the earthquake does not come cheap.