Don't bet on it. I've used SRAM chains in the past, and now I use the cheapest, $4.49 Nashbar chains I can find. I get 1800 miles out of anything I've tried regardless of whether it's a $5 or a $15 chain.
My route includes 4 miles each way of gravel/sand/clay roads. If there's any moisture at all on the ground, even a brand-new chain will be completely grunged up in sand after one ride. I think even if I cleaned my chain twice a day I'd still get 1800 miles on it. I've actually stopped cleaning the chain, since it doesn't really seem to matter. I just oil it and then wipe it down.