I know some guys that got the PPL in Europe and then did HB in America with a sort of "temporary" FAA PPL. I can not remember clearly how this works but I do suggest you to use the Search button on PPRuNe.
It just one of the alternatives to try to spare some money.
For example, I've found a good flight school in the south of California where I would obtain a FAA PPL and HB up to 150 hours TT for less than $20000 which is more or less an amount around €14000/15000. Accomodation included.