You say slave in your subject and master in your email body, which is it?
If slave between the engine and trans, then yes, about $1k is average, maybe high average, because while it's out it's good to replace the subframe bushings, and put in a new clutch and surface the flywheel, and the rear crankshaft oil seal.
I have taken a 9-5 engine out the top - it's very, VERY not fun, and only clears by less than an inch. It has to come out steeply angled to get the trans to clear the driver's side lower impact rail, and there are lots of plastic parts that are easy to crush. For all intents and purposes if you're even a skilled home mechanic I would advise strongly against, even though it's possible. Dropping the subframe and pulling the trans is really not that bad, even though it's a pain.
I'm talking like, more than a 45* degree angle to get it out, it's pretty severe. I have a photo somewhere, not sure where it went.