I trained in California and have to agree that it takes slightly longer when getting checked out back in the UK. Some of this is down to differing instruction technique and some just down to familiarisation with the new environment.
The RT & Procedures are different but a PPL still has to pass RT & Air Law so it is only a matter of practice. The flying is the same wherever you train.
I believe that it is still cheaper to do it in America but only by a small amount. Some of the savings and for me the main benefit is the continuity of training due to the better weather and usually the same instructor.
I don't know what the average hours/elapsed time required to pass are in the UK but the FTO I trained at it was about 50-55hrs in 3-5 weeks. My personal experience of 5 weeks training back in England would be about 2-3 cancelations due to weather and maybe 3hrs flying. Availability of the same instructor was also a problem.
Remember that America is also quite a nice environment to fly in.
