Actually, gas would be cheaper to start than electrics, for 40 size and up. For a 60 size and over plane you can spend $300 to $400 for the motor, easily $75 to $100 for the speed control, plus another $100 (or more) for each battery pack (you'll want at least two), and $100 for a charger capable of charging those packs.

You can get a 120 size glow plane in the air for half that cost for the engine, and a 15 pound gas powered plane in the air for less than $500 (for the engine).

I fly small electrics once in awhile, but will not likely be flying larger planes with electric power until glow and gas is illegal.

Welcome to RCU and good luck with whatever you choose.
Dennis-