Hmmmm..... I am in Canada, and for some reason I think our paint jobs must be cheaper.
We got our car re-painted white, got the flames (or whatever you call them) on the front, and then got a blue pearl over top. This cost us $1500. I mean, its by far the best paint job in the world.. but for what we paid... It looks pretty good.
Alot of people don't like it... but we do and thats all that matters.
Good Luck, let us know what you end up getting done.