When I did my PPL many years ago (early 1980s) I managed it in 40 hrs 15 mins. I would have completed in 40 hours but I was enjoying myself so much doing circuits that i did an extra one. Can't remember exactly how much it cost then but "Hey!!" we do it for the love of flying. Ask a smoker how much he spends on fags and how much enjoyment he gets out of them.
Sadly with the cost of fuel, flying is becoming "The sport of kings" again.