Actually you can buy PCs with the same chips, they just lack a bit of special code to run OSX. A Mac is in fact a PC and has been for a while, it's just packaged differently and can also run OSX as well as Windows which can be very useful. You can
always buy a similar specced PC fopr less. Notice that Apple always compare prices against Dell who oddly enough are not the cheapest supplier, but you can also buy more expensive PCs than those made by Apple if you want to.
The other thing is that Apples are best bought when they first come out as they do not get updated continously like PCs tend to bbe, so an 18month old Mac may have a 18month old chip in it - not good value.
Go here
Apple buyers guide to get a
rough idea if buying an Apple product is a good/bad move, depending if it has been around for a while.
The sensible reason you buy a Mac over a PC is that you prefer OSX over Windows, not just because it's prettier than a cheap PC.
I use both and find in reality there is little difference as both are good and
both have many annoying flaws, just in different places, e.g. file mangement and dual monitor support is poor on OSX comapred to windows, yet many other things are much nicer, like the new trackpads. Swings and roundabouts.
Also Macs do not just work, there are PCs with an Aple on them and are prone to the same issues of duff parts and buggy software. Apple release bug fixes and patches just as much as MS.
Apple only give a one year guarrantee, whereas many other manufacturers give 3 or 5 year for their kit.
If you use Apple, there is no real reason to switch to to a PC and if you use a PC there is no real reason to switch to a Mac, unless you really prefer one OS over the other.