Welshguy,
I can only comment on good old America, and in particular Florida. Done some hour building in West Palm Beach, R44 Astro = $400 p/h and R44 Clipper II = $425 p/h.
I did find a place in Ocala, Florida on the intrenet the other day that is doing hour building for $299 p/h in a R44 Raven II, but I've never been there so I couldn't tell you what they are like. I've got there website if you'd like details?
Personally I want to do the rest of my hour building (30 hours) in the UK, I'm going to be my CPL here so I may as well get some experience of airspace and RT etc etc.
Does anyone know where I can SFH a R22 for about £160 p/h wet if I block purchase the hours? I have found some where but its 180 miles away, so would involve staying over the night and making a couple of days of it, to make it worth while.