If work is the only way you socialize, you're kinda screwed anyway.
(generic you, not accusative you-you)
I socialize in bars and while playing sports. Neither of those options are expensive.
I also believe that sharing interests - here a drink (even if non-alcoholic) or a sport is a great way to find minds alike. Meetups are a very convenient and very underrated online tool helping the lonely soul with that.