I have both, and it depends on what you are doing as to which I like more. As for cost, both can be expensive. I probably have close to 2 grand in paint ball gear. My auto cocker alone cost me 600 bucks, not counting mods. The M-16a1 airsoft gun only cost me 300 bucks. They are around 450 I think now. It is the battery powered select fire one. If realizm is you thing, then air soft is the way to go. Mag changes limited firepower etc, accuaccy, and the difference between concealment and cover. It is hard to play though unless you know the people. It is on you honor system type play since you don't really get marked like paint ball. Paintball is better for the walk on type games with large target rich environments. Less likely to have people be able to cheat and take the fun out of the game.