...and considering the money mates pump into Boats, Bikes, and hot rods, the Personal flying isn't that expensive...
That said, cost is a factor, particularly if you're not on a huge income and/or failed to inherit the million dollar family gherkin-bottling business. I was learning to fly and enjoyed it a lot, but on a (then) public service wage found the costs difficult to justify for a hobby.
Presumably RAA is more cost effective, and private flying is certainly a heck of a lot of fun
. Good luck!