Questions on use of VOIP in place of landline phone?

I had asked about VOIP before but here are a couple more questions. How would it be for someone in this situation? I live in a rural area of Michigan, seldom make non-Michigan or international calls. Would I need a special kind of phone for it? Any idea of how much it costs per month or year? Cost of the equipment? Clarity of the voice on either end? Do I need a specific internet speed in order to do this? I have no particular provider in mind - still doing research on the idea. Thanks everyone.