these days it is, when I started in "74 you had to build your trainer from a box of wood, the basic RTF trainer will set you back about 400.00 I got a Nextar for about that from Towerhobbies.

you will need a basic flight box,that will also work for nitro cars as well,this fully stocked will set you back 50-100.00 depending on the accessories you chose

then there's club membership which gives you several benefits,one is a structured, and generally safe place to fly your new plane, for the first timer a instructor is a huge help, and just having the help of guys who have done it, crashed it, and rebuilt it, is a big help this can cost between 50-150$ depending on the club.

then there's AMA membership most clubs require it 60$ for adult about 30$ for kids this also includes supplementary insurance coverage, and a magazine.

now there are ways to get a little value for your buck.
Tower has there super saver deals that give you free shipping and assorted discounts for a 10$ yearly fee, a typical tower deal is free shipping for 149.00 and with a code you get another 25.00 off that, I save allot of money using there discount system.

they even will at times give as much as 60$ off of 300$ purchases for there club members.

all that being said your looking at about 700$ for a whole lot of fun and a definite adrenaline rush.

now that I have been back doing it for about 7 years now I have at least 10 grand worth of stuff,my motocross buddies are still way ahead of me