The reason R22/R44 are less expensive to buy is their good market acceptance - helo's are "sexy" so many are buying one. They are also harder to fly than the average spam can so that more crash, and helo crashes are generally more destructive, so there is a good replacement market, too.
Over here in BE, a 2-seater microlight is rented out by clubs at some 80-120 € per hour, a C172 will go around 140-200 €, largely dependent on choice of engine, an R22 rumoured (!) at least 300 € per hour.
Rumour only !!! Will accept correction - but this is a rumour forum.