I have owned many great “F” hole and thin line guitars. I recently bought a $125 Stratocaster and sold a $359 Telecaster. I am lost as to what I am buying. What’s the difference between a $125 Stratocaster and a $1,000 Stratocaster? A Telecaster and a Stratocaster?

I know what I am hearing but I have no reference point.
Thank you, John C.