I know there has always been somewhat of a Figure/Hockey divide but realistically if you pull it to bits they are both great things to do and both on Ice. Figure is far more difficult, the moves, posture, balance, and jumps can take years and years to master. Hockey on the other hand is definately harder, physically it will take your body to extremes of fatigue and you will literally boil up on the ice, like figure the advanced stuff can take years to learn but most recreational Hockey players just need the ability to go fast, stop, turn and go backwards quickly and anything else comes with practice.
If you can skate in figures, you can skate in Hockeys given a little time. They are faster skates, they have a thinner blade lower edges (generally) and don't have a toe pick. You will find that Hockey will improve your fitness if you are doing figure, will help improve your speed and your stamina. A good few people I know (do both) and they all agree that each discipline has benefits to the other. You will also find at your local rink that a lot of the Hockey time is in the evenings with games being at the weekends. So if you work full time and are struggle to make patch sessions then it will give you access for extra ice time.
Normally there are beginner sessions at the rink for adults or children, go along to watch and see how you go from there?. Kit can be bought second hand from ebay, or new starting at around £250 for budget stuff excluding the cost of skates.