Real cost of gaining PPL in the UK 2014
We are blessed in Oz by having such an enormous continent to fly across. In flying centers outside our capitals, the PPL budget is more attractive than city rates and the business of taxiing and getting into the air takes less time, so you tend to get sharper flying skills in fewer (paid) hours.
In many cases, the theory is delivered free in very small groups - anywhere between 2 - 6 students. A/c rental for a C150 goes at about $280 solo training and $280 dual then down to $190 after you are licensed.
In terms of mandatory training times, you need a min of 40 hours which includes minimums of:5 hrs as PIC, 5 hrs cross country as PIC, 2 hours of instrument flight. You must also have passed a few written and oral tests.
I reckon around AUD$15,000 ought to do it. Allow this much again for a command instrument rating and all the flights that lead up to this.
Cheers