AC Sticker Shock!!!

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I just recently had an air conditioner condenser unit replaced in June in my California duplex.The bill was for $2200 for a 3 ton with r-22 Freon.The second unit just went out and now I am quoted $2800 for 14 seer 31/2 ton. Apparently California has upped the minimum seer to 14. I am out of state so my property manager has been handling the quotes .When I look up the unit on the internet they sell for about $1500 I cant believe it costs over a$1000 for a change out . Any ideas or advice to cut the costs?