I was thinking of getting four snows on rims from Tire Rack for winter use. I figured if I used them for three months a year, my stock tires would then last a year or two more and in the long run, I'd recoup a good part of the cost.

But it's $200+ to get sensors put on. The kicks it out of my price range.

Why are those sensors so gosh darn expensive???

 

Unless the tire sensor system needs to work for reasons such as state law, insurance company requirements, etc consider using the snow tires as purchased.

Cars have functioned for decades just fine without these systems. There will be a few dash lights on but will get used to it.