Standard Fender Strat-$350
Standard Gibson LP-$2000
those are the approximate prices from musiciansfriend.com
Fender wins the price game.Even the high end strats are around a grand.
As for whats the better playing brand...
I would give Gibson the crown for smooth playing.I'd love an SG Supreme in Fire burst finish or an LP with a flamed maple top.I would never spend that much money on a guitar in my financial situation though(poor).Bah,I'll just go get one of the new B.C Rich 2003 N.J series axes.Ebony fretboard,mahogony body and the new Speedloader bridge...For under $700...I'm sold.
Try once,fail twice...