In the long run if you quite a few miles it's probably less effort the chain stays cleaner and lubed for about 300 to 500k and there is less ware on all drive train when I was cycling regularly in the Philippines I was changing out a cassette and chain ring every year, off-road mud and winter rains. Once I started waxing the chain I got at least 3 years out of the drive train.
With a new chain your probably only talking a mornings work.