the basic concepts are very similar and easy to understand.
however Fontographer just resurrected from the dead, while FontLabStudio constantly evolves.

depending on your needs you might also consider buying TypeTool (think of it as FontLab Limited Edition) and upgrading to FLabS later.

I think FontLab is the best choice because it’s much more advanced. And it’s not hard to learn. When I started to use FontLab I used the book Learn FontLab fast: http://www.logofontandlettering.com/

Pieter

Setting all the usual FL-is-better arguments aside, I will say that they are similar in concept, but very different in implementation and details. I often draw an analogy b