I'm at the other end of the country, but down my way we have some syndicates with a friendly relationship with a flying school. Some people have bought their share, then saved a great deal of money learning on the aeroplane - then of course they carry on in an aeroplane they're already very familiar with.
It might be worth asking whether any such arrangements exist up your way?
Regarding how much does it cost? - have a browse here, which is my favourite window shopping site...
https://afors.com/index.php?page=bro...AERO&cat=GROUP
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