system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
ELI5: Why is the cost of housing prisoners so expensive?
gpt
Well, you have to feed and clothe them and ensure that they are kept in conditions that don't constitute cruel and unusual punishment. In addition, they have to be guarded. All of that adds up. Why would it be cheap? Paying for someone else's housing, healthcare, food, and security all while they don't perform economically useful work is expensive.