I think you will find it cheaper and easier to get started with Atmel than with Microchip. I went with Atmel's AVR after getting frustrated with Microchip and never looked back. If you are savvy enough, you can get started for the cost of nothing more than a chip; evaluation size C compilers are available for free (more than enough for a small project like you describe), Atmel's Studio software is free, and you can build your own programmer with schematics that are plentiful on the web (you'll need an '244 and a few diodes). If you're really serious, you can buy their ICE for $99. I bought mine back when they were close to $300 and still thought it was worth it.
FWIW,
j.