To me, it comes down to the $$$. You'll get used to whatever you have, just like you would if you switched from an iPhone to an Android, or a PC to Mac. But just like those examples, you can get a lot more for your money if you go one route, but either option is seriously great. You won't be disappointed with either Nikon or Canon, and you will get wonderful pictures once you've learned how to use manual controls.
So obviously I prefer Canon! (And Android, and PC's, lol) because I would rather get MORE from my photography budget. And not just with the initial purchase, also with future additions of lenses, etc. and upgrading the body later. As others have said, don't bother with a kit lens, for the most part. Go for the body, BUT if you are going for Canon, I bought a bundle this summer with a great zoom lens that I read awesome things about before purchasing. It's bundled in, but it's not a crappy kit lens, it's a great lens and it has an all-purpose range. Add to that a 50mm for $100 or so and you're good to go!
This is the bundle I got:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...01_i00_details That range of lens is usually pretty pricy on it's own.
Depending on your budget, I also usually tell people to shop a model or two back- you can get a great deal and you can't really go wrong with anything in the last few years.
If you do go with Nikon, and you're really interested in photography, skip the consumer level (I don't even know what the model is these days) where you have to buy even PRICIER lenses with motors that you won't need in the future when you upgrade your body to a normal DSLR with a motor in it.
Good luck!