I've read that Cross bottled ink is made by Pelikan. On several sites, it is a bit less expensive. It's puzzling that they wouldn't be the same price for 2 oz. Are they really the same?

Yes. Order the cheaper one.

This is according to Pendemonium.com (not connection, just a satisfied customer).

Please Note: A.T. Cross fountain pen ink is manufactured by Pelikan. Since we carry a full line of Pelikan fountain pen inks, we have opted not to duplicate our stock with bottles full of the same ink, but just a different label.

I have never used either brand, so don't have any personal experience.