Hi Max
Welcome to the expensive, addictive world of recreational flying.
You'll get a lot better advice than mine, but I venture to suggest that having decided to get your PPL, you won't regret it, whichever way you decide to continue. There's nothing, but nothing, more rewarding.
As for your query, it all rather depends on how much flying you will be doing. If you find that 100 hours+ p.a. is feasible, ownership is a definite plus. It's never going to save you money (only staying on the ground will do that) but it offers accessibility, of course, freedom, more responsibility towards and understanding of the aircraft, not to mention a little bit of kudos!
I suspect many people find that time is a more serious consideration than money, when it comes to adding up the hours and balancing the books. If that sounds likely, hiring a club aeroplane will prove far more cost-effective and not necessarily restrict your flying very much. It's obviously down to the differences between clubs and pseudo-clubs and there's probably no limit on the research you could do on that subject, aided and abetted by the pprunites' contributions.
I started out with a numble SLMG rating, added Group A, bought a touring motor glider and rented a Cub and C150 depending on where I was. A very satisfactory arrangement until I fell in love with the Champ. Now I fly the socks off her when I can and consider every penny well spent. By the way, I've never added up what I spend on flying. I use the 'live in a hovel, drive a tatty automobile' rationale.
If continental touring is in the plan, some sort of ownership is more likely to allow days/ weeks away. Shared or sole ownership is probably as big a decision as what you want to fly. There are so many options from a few thousand upwards that would all get you cross-channel (and back, hopefully).
I'm not trying to add to your concerns, but the biggest single issue around here in the south is hangarage, so if you can get that one sorted out first, the rest is easy! I forgot to look where you're based so forgive me if this doesn't apply.
At this stage, pre-PPL, you could do worse than keep searching pprune (try hiring/buying) and talking to as many pilots as you can. We're such an opinionated lot that you'll soon decide that your own views are far superior.
The important thing is to go fly, ENJOY it, make no rash decisions while you're doing so and see how you feel when you've got that precious PPL.
Oh, and grab any freebies going in small aeroplanes.
Have fun!