Originally Posted by rickair7777

Depends.

I actually have used MS Flight sim during training, but only to practice and re-inforce *instrument* scans and procedures. If you learn it correctly, from an instructor, then it is possible to get net positive value out of PRACTICING what you learned at home.

But don't try to teach yourself, and don't try to practice visual maneuvers (including landing) on a home PC.

And make sure it's configured as closely as possible to your training aircraft. You have plenty of options for that.

But that doesn't answer the original question about logging cheap hours. Probably the cheapest way to do that is going to be using the PC device at the school/FBO, following the instructor's guidance.