While living in northern Canada for the better part of 10 years where annual snow is measured in feet (around 8' on average), we never had to use chains...even in the highest mountain passes nor did anyone else we knew .

The best investment for the money is a set of 4 winter tires mounted on spare rims.
Where we live now, there has been 17 inches of snow in the last couple of days and with winter tires mounted on the car, it is no problem driving around on unplowed roads and streets.