Not really. A .40 size electric trainer (wingspan about 48-56") is gonna cost pretty darn close to the equivalent nitro. But most electric trainers are a bit smaller. For electric, I think the [link=http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXZMX7&P=0]Hobbico Switch[/link] is a great choice, as it gets its name from the fact you can switch it from a high-wing trainer to a low/mid wing configuration once you become proficient.

It's "only" $279, including radio, but here's where the prices even up; you need to buy 2-5 extra LiPo batteries if you want to fly for more than 10-15 minutes in a given afternoon. The Hobbico replacement is $50...you could probby get it at HobbyKing for a lot less...and you'll probby want a better charger at some point, too ($40-100, again, look @ HobbyKing). Either way, there's your $100 difference (and then some)!

If you go ala carte with nitro, you can easily do it for $300ish. First off, check Craigslist and/or your club's "for sale" forum for gear near your home (eBay doesn't usually work cuz of shipping charges, and I'd never trust everything to work). Personally, I didn't want/get a flat-wing basic trainer, I wanted something that was tame enough for training, but have enough chops for intermediate/sport flying. That ususally means semi-symmetrical wing, so you might want to peruse the thread I had/have going on many options for this kind of plane: http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_10901324/tm.htm

Anyhoo, here's a nice budget nitro 'set (figuring no tax/free ship, which Tower always offers in some fashion):

$85 [link=http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXASPH&P=0]Thunder Tiger Ready 40 Mk. III[/link] cool molded plastic/foam construction...which you'll be seeing more & more of).
$50 [link=http://www.sigmfg.com/cgi-bin/dpsmart.exe/MainMenuFV5.html?E+Sig]Aviastar .46 engine from SIG Mfg (you'll have to navigate the site to 'engines'...I can't link directly[/link] true ABC construction, good reviews...it's not an OS, but it's less than half the cost (If you can swing a Thunder Tiger engine, though...the plane's made for it).
$80-150 for a good/cheap 5-channel radio + 4servos (servos are about $8-15 each). [link=http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__295__190__Tx_Rx_Systems_Parts-2_2E4Ghz_HobbyKing.html]HobbyKing Radios[/link] are actually pretty good, you'll have to add servos & shipping. But you can go [link=http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXAEXR&P=0]Tactic[/link]Tactic, [link=http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXZHG0&P=0]Airtronics[/link], or even go to 4 channels if you want to save more $.

Not too bad, if I say so myself!!.