be (a bit) on the expensive side

To be somewhat expensive. This intentionally vague phrase highlights the speaker's awareness of or hesitation about the cost of something. That car service is a bit on the expensive side. Can't we just take a taxi? Hmm, plane tickets are on the expensive side. Could we leave on a weekday instead? If I'm going to get fast food, it can't be on the expensive side. Isn't that the whole point of fast food—that it's quick and cheap?