Vtubing is so costly

So recently got in touch with good artist company to make my new live2d model and man it's so expensive! like 5k USD yikes. I felt my stomach drop when I heard this. How do people afford this? like legit now I know why so many female vtubers have like NSFW content. art is of course amazing and the rigging is great too but how is this hobby suppose to grow when it's that expensive ya know? What do you guys think? will the hobby grow or is this just a play ground or people with money?