i smoke cigars from time to time, but you're right - they're expensive.
cigarettes never get me a buzz, but i just enjoy the action of smoking so when i'm hammered it's not uncommon for me to ask one of my friends to bum one. putting in a dip, on the other hand, will give me a huge buzz and if i'm unfortunate enough to pick a bad time to do it (when i'm hammered), it'll push me over the edge.