I visit US last year and rented at El Paso a C182 for 140 USD dry
Flew around with my buddy for 2,5 weeks and close to 60 hours
My expierince is that flying in USA is a lot cheaper then in Europe, even if you have to take an airliner and add hotel cost.
Also the weather was more stable around Arizona-West Coast compare to Florida at that time or compare to West Europe (May-June)
I have been almost at each country in Europe but cost wise and flying wise USA is the place to be