My local bead shop sells these. Other than them saying Pandora on the side, I see no major difference. Just went to a trunk show last week, and bought a few. http://perlamorejewelrycom.x-shops.com/perlamore/
The local boutique that sells Pandora here is having a Pandora "special" in September. I'm not sure if it is just them or a promo by Pandora ran by all dealers. I would call and check your local places to see if they are running any specials.
I'm pretty sure Pandora items are like Apple, Nintendo etc, with a set price that rarely goes on sale. If you find an online dealer offering an amazing price on Pandora they are most likely fakes. However there are many european bead manufacturers so you could find beads to fit your bracelet but that aren't necessarily Pandora.
I don't know how cheap it is compared to other US retailers, but on our last trip to Orlando my wife got a great deal on a Pandora bracelet and charms, compared to what we would have paid here in the UK, at Artsy Abode in Pointe Orlando on I-Drive.