In the last 15 years I've ridden about 60K miles and gone through a dozen wheels. I haven't bought a new spoke. I've broken 1 spoke in that time. I use cheap plated spokes. I even use them when the plating is coming off and I have to take care not to stick myself with the shards.

Considering the time it takes me to build a wheel (I'm an amateur without a truing stand, only a spoke wrench and a jury-rigged dish tool.) it's not a significant economy.

Price spokes at DAN'S COMP