what I have told many new to the hobby is it takes as little as $650 to start (and less if you find good deals) and approx $1000 per year to stay in and enjoy. Fuel costs can run as little as $100 to as much as $500 (or more) per year. Factor in a couple of crashes at about $200 each and a new ship every other year and well you get the idea. I have capped my spending at $2000 per year. Hey it's cheaper than golf or a par of season tickets for pro basketball/football/baseball.