front struts questions and prices

So I recently did rear shocks and put in new leafs, and I found a blown shock in the back. The truck has settled down a bit on the bumps but is still pretty rough in the front.

I did all the work myself in the rear, but didn't want to mess with a spring compressor for the front struts... i called around three different places. My local place wants about $625 for parts and labor, with Monroe/Reflex/Napa struts. STS wants 700 for parts and labor with NAPA Spectrums, and the Dealership local wants 600 JUST FOR LABOR (i hung up on them, after she said three hours a side).

Shocks in the back cost me 90 bucks total, ordering from Amazon,. and two hours of my time. Any idea why the fronts are so much?? I believe the prices above are using the old springs.