Originally Posted by kettlechips

Cessna 172N where I rent from (large west coast city): 140/hr
CFI rate: 70/hr

120 hours dual: 25,200
130 hours split with safety pilot: 9,100
Checkrides: 3000
Gear/equipment/supplies: 2000

Total: 39,300

Okay i concede it's a bit higher, but not by much.

Even if you don't do any time splitting, you'll add another 9100 bucks, so 48,400. Nowhere near 70-80k