Can anyone of you recently licensed PPLs or others in the know estimate the cost of obtaining a PPL these days?
There is never a 'canned' answer for this question. As you know from previous experience, there are requirements that must be met time wise and ability wise. Prior to a CFI signing you off for a practical check ride, he better be sure you are safe and capable. With that being said, can a person obtain the PPL with the minimum 40 hours of flight time? Sure, rare, but sure.
A rough guess... after all is said and done... $5,000- $6,000. Again, this is depenedant on the market you are in and all the variables that apply to flying. You may ask, "Why so much?" Well, for one at my local airport, fuel for my little C172 is currently $5.84 a gallon. The little plane sucks down about +/- 9 gallons an hour. Assuming minimum flight time of 40 hours, that is $2,102.40. JUST IN FUEL!
1) At some point in time in your training, you'll need to pass a third class medical (I recommend asap. Can't solo without the medical.)
2) A minumum of 40 hours of flight time. (Most with a instructor, some without)
3) Written test (100 questions, multiple guess)
4) Check ride with either an FAA examiner or a Designated Examiner.
You'll need the reading/study materials, some small equipment that you'll never use again if you are just flying drones... etc.
Each one of the four steps above costs money. The medical may be covered under your insurance if you ask nicely. The flight time is the biggest chunk of money and varies widely by business, location, or current expenses. The written test, figure $50 - $100. The DE's around here charge around $300 for your check ride.
It all comes back around to say, It depends!