Krypton John
My experience is that the running costs for an EC120 are cheaper than for an R44. If you have sole use & <100 hr then the cost per hour will be high due to the spread of fixed costs (insurance) and time-based maintenance. You need to do the maths, but an ex-training school R44 with fewer hours remaining to rebuild, but plenty of calendar time remaining, could be a cost-efficient option (only 4 seats).
If you want to do "cheap" (relative thing, cheap) then join a club and self-fly-hire.
For longer distances with passenger the 120 is fantastic. I have flown the length of UK & back next day with 4 + luggage, and over to France several times with 5 (light luggage). No complaints from any of the passengers as the cabin space is fantastic (not cramped with great views), noise levels are lower (though headphones still required) and very smooth.
The size of the 120 (5 seats), the baggage compartment and the fuel tanks mean that you can't fill all of them and stay inside MTOW. Every machine has its limitations.