Did my JAA PPL+Nightrating at flyaaa.com at 55 hours in 2 months.
In 2005 8000 Euros including all (Flight, living (not much), no car rented)
Was my first time in staates.
I think still achivable at that price in Germany too but without the us experience flying in staates is lot more freedom, leave europe in winter and fly in california is not the worst kind of live.
California is nicer than florida no huricans, not so humid, nice mountains, but there is rain and clouds at least in San Diego too, pacific usualy cold for swimming.
Got planes to rent after one hour checkout at several places in Germany.
Calculating 2 months in front is saver and more relaxed.
Have a dollar account at comdirect to buy dollars when cheap.