If I looked at cost alone I sure would not be in this hobby! However in truth it is no more expensive than photography or motorcycling or my latest which is RVing in a 21' Gulf Stream motorhome. We all spend our disposable income as we please. We all wish we had more! More money and more time. I'm blessed with good health and a wonderful supporting family. Priceless.
John

PS When I did a cost analysis a couple of years ago there was no way I could build a kit less electronics and motor for what I could buy an ARF. I don't care I love to build, but 1/2 my fleet is ARFs. Sometimes I get this wanta have it now craving real bad.