I don't really understand the first question; if you mean monthly cost, I just got the first utility bill since I started using my 1KW HPS bulb and it was my lowest bill so far since I started living in this house. I am currently growing 6 plants in flower and one mother and 3 clones in veg.

As far as setup costs, I think my partner and I ended up spending like $1,000 total, which includes lumber to build a fully enclosed room and all our equipment and supplies. I got a lot of my stuff used for cheap, so that was a plus (1KW ballast with a Hortilux bulb for $100, which is less than the bulb costs by itself:thumbsup.

If you grow with cheap equipment, you won't get near the results as if you spend the $250 on your lights. Your lighting is arguably the most important part of the grow, so I would suggest definitely getting HID, even if you only use it during flower. You will thank yourself in 12 weeks. Although I have seen impressive results on here flowering with CFL bulbs, I would still suggest HPS for flowering. Using CFLs for veg have served me just fine though.

The best book to get is probably Jorge Cervantes' book called the Marijuana Horticulture Guide or something close to that. I have never read it personally, but I've had it suggested to me by a few people that have. You can also get a lot of free information from the internet if you look in the right places.

Information is key to growing. The more you have, the easier it will be and the better your results will be. Good luck!