Hi Ted,
The shipping should not be more than $100 or so. The kit box size is smaller (not by much) than the USPS maximum size limit; so it can be shipped via first class mail (or priority). All my kits from Japan have been delivered by the USPS.
I think either design will fly very well and the kits will be a pleasure to build. I know it is a lot of $$$, but with e-power the model should last for years under normal operating conditions.
Good Luck!!