I was actually surprised how inexpensive it is. I priced it many years ago and it was much more expensive then.
Compare it to my high power rocket hobby. I can easily spend $80 per flight (for fuel grains) on a rocket that cost $1,000 to build and equip. That is a level 2 rocket with a J size motor. When I get to level 3 and an M size motor I can spend $500 just for the fuel grains for one single flight.
RC airplanes are relatively inexpensive.