They aren't expensive anymore. I got 10 from Costco for $12.48 or something (2 packs actually). Walmart has 4 for $7 now. There is a 1-3 sec delay. Consistency was fine. No noise. Saw 20% drop in electric use immediately meaning I saved nearly $30 in one month. That paid for all of the bulbs I bought from Costco.
Some are still pricey like the can lighting (recessed lighting) that has the coiled bulb in the glass dome. The last time I bought one it was like $6 or $7 bucks. I will still keep replacing incandescents as I just believe it is smart.
I was shocked to find 4-packs of CFL bulbs at Vons supermarket last week for 99 cents. The last time I bought a CFL was for the promised longer life-time and it seems to be more like $4 for one bulb. At 99 cents a 4-pack, I’ll replace the whole house and hope I see a lower electric bill.