I had NPR on while doing errands the other day and I'm pretty sure they said $100K for an economy guided ascent and $250K for a deluxe with a small group and more experienced sherpas. A relatively high rate of mortality.
Here in the state of numerous 14,000 footers one doesn't have to spend a lot or go very far to prove themselves, but there's probably something to being the first of something for those so motivated.