1. ~300 euro for the board, and a kitesurf kite normally costs between 400 euros and 730 euros, with lines and bar:P This is for new stuff.
I bet u can buy used eq. for half the price, or rent:D
2. Have you ever windsurfed?:) kiteing is easyier. The basic techniques are quite easy, you wont have any problems with those, and its enuff to have fun and kite by yourself. Altho the more advanced techniques are harder.
Kiteboarding is easy to learn, but hard to master:)