As it happens we have a computerised paying system at our place that logs every flight you've ever done and the cost. I've spent around 22K in the last three years, that includes PPL, night, IMC and 250 hrs total, 190 hrs P1. Factor in about 7K in cost sharing and I would put the actual cost at around 15k, or 5K a year. However a lot of that was spent on training in the first year. I budget £300 a month for flying and got around 55 hrs in the last year for that.
Our club rates are on the cheaper side, a four seater with a couple of mates on board costs me £33 an hour or £50 with one mate. I hardly ever fly on my own. It can be done. I glide as well so powered for me is all about getting to the airfield at 7am and going somewhere for the day. For the sheer joy of flying then gliding is a no brainer on cost and pilot involvement, but you can't put a couple of pals in a glider and go to Dublin for breakfast.