Why is my iCloud bill higher than usual?

There isn't (and wasn't) an iCloud storage plan that was priced at or near to $4.49 in the U.S.

See the following from iCloud+ plans and pricing - Apple Support for current iCloud prices in the U.S.:

United States4 (USD)

50GB: $0.99

200GB: $2.99

2TB: $9.99

6TB: $29.99

12TB: $59.99

The following may help you determine what the charges are for. See each of the steps in the following instructions. They include information on contacting Apple Support if the other steps don't help. See: If you see 'apple.com/bill' on your billing statement - Apple Support

$4.49 is still the price in Australia and there isn't any $9.99 plan there.

The $9.99 billing may be a combination of 2 charges. Go to If you see 'apple.com/bill' on your billing statement - Apple Support for instructions on seeing the details of what the charge is for.