You mean they're more expensive in the US/CA?
You're right that they tend to work out at AUD150, although obviously area factors into it a lot (an AUD150 hotel in bush Queensland will get you two beds, an ensuite, laundry and aircon. AUD150 in a capital city will have you in someone's basement with questionable hygiene). Forget any hotel at major tourist attractions at that price.
I think I'll be popping this onto my wishlist. I've been slowly trying to 100% complete V-Rally 2 for the PS1, as the game is a childhood classic of mine that I never completed and I've been enjoying it (when the physics don't bug out that is..)