There are some studded tires on ebay in the $200 range. I think they are Cheng Shins or Michelin... I can't recall. That's not a bad price.
I tracked my expensives the past several winters when going the Kold Kutter screw route. It was roughly $100 to do both tires, including the replacement screws as they wore down on the rear.
If you can pick-up good "used" or ebay studded tires, your investment will break even in the 4-5 year timeframe. The carbide studs last years so you have to consider the investment overall.
No doubt it is $$$ anyway you look at it. That's the price for having fun!
EDIT:
Here is a link for custom done Cheng Shins @ Tire Express
http://www.tireexpress.com/prod.cfm/cid/6703/pid/11236
I was going to buy some of these prior to finding my current set.