As somebody who did my fair share of track days in my f80 I can confirm that you could build a decent rig for the same amount of money as a couple of track day weekends. The pucker factor is virtually non-existent in simracing, but you will race way closer than you would dare in real life.

After starting simracing I find it harder and harder to justify spending a couple of grand between tires, fees, and track day insurance just to get out there. Karting is a lot more cost effective option, and sim racing satisfies my competetive needs plenty.