Someone on the PSVR subreddit made a pretty good post IMO about why PSVR could be much cheaper:
I still expect the PSVR to be $399 or less, for a number of reasons:
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R&D was likely substantially cheaper, as the work done on the PSVR likely worked in tandem with other Sony products. The work done to improve screen technology applies to Sony's cell phones and televisions. The optics were done in tandem with Sony's work on camera lenses. The software work is part of the Playstation line. They also have manufacturing and distribution channels in place. Sure they are spending resources on development, but they already have talent on salary and they have a long history of related R&D.
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The physical product has less bells and whistles. The Oculus has two custom screens that are made for VR. Sony is using a single screen that is likely very similar to the phones they make. Oculus has built in, custom headphones. Sony does not. Oculus is using a custom fabric shell (using a material they developed in house), while Sony is using cheaper and easier to manufacture plastic. Oculus is using a custom camera system, while Sony is using what is likely a cheaper camera (which has been on the market for 2+ years). Oculus is using a custom DAC/Amp for audio, whereas Sony is likely using cheaper electronics that already exist in other Sony products.
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Sony likely has better relations with suppliers and manufacturers (for the things they don't do in house), meaning they can likely leverage lower costs.
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Sony has more ability to recoup costs through first party software and licensing deals. They can also eat costs to maintain a competitive advantage over their console competitors and use the option of VR as a selling point for their whole Playstation brand.
Note: I'm not sure how accurate all the info at point #2 is.
OT: Oculus really should have an option to buy the damn thing without the XB1 controller and 2 games
