TL;DR
Most of building a first app is free or low-cost. Claude Code, Expo, and the core tools let you build and test for almost nothing; real costs are the developer accounts and any paid API.
One of the best things about building apps today is how little it costs to start. You can build, preview, and test a full app before paying for anything meaningful. Knowing which tools are free and where the small costs actually kick in lets you get most of the way to a shipped app on almost no budget.
The core toolstack
- Claude Code writes the app from your plain-English descriptions
- Expo runs your app live on your phone as you build, for free
- EAS Build turns your project into a real installable release
- EAS Submit sends your build to the stores for review
What is free to start
You can install Expo and run your app on your own phone at no cost, and iterate on it as much as you want. Building the app, testing it, and getting the design right all happen before any store fee. Most of your learning happens in this free zone, so use it heavily.
Where the real costs are
- 1A Google Play developer account, a one-time 25 dollars
- 2An Apple Developer account, 99 dollars a year
- 3Any paid API your app uses, like an AI model behind an assistant feature
- 4Optional paid tiers of build and analytics tools as you scale
Add tools only when you need them
RevenueCat handles subscriptions and has a free tier for small revenue. Supabase gives you a backend when your app needs accounts or sync, also with a free tier. Do not bolt these on early. Add each tool only when your app actually needs what it does, so your costs grow with your app, not ahead of it.
Common questions
Can I build an app for free?
You can build and test the whole thing for free on your own phone with Claude Code and Expo. The only costs you need to actually publish are the developer accounts: a one-time 25 dollars for Google and 99 dollars a year for Apple.
What does Expo cost?
Running your app live on your phone as you build is free. Expo and its EAS build service have generous free tiers that cover most first apps. You only pay if you need higher build volumes or premium features as you scale up.
Do I need to pay for Claude Code?
Claude Code has accessible plans, and you steer it to write your app instead of coding yourself. That is your main build tool. Budget for its plan, but it replaces the far larger cost of learning to code or hiring a developer.
When do I pay for a backend?
Only when your app needs user accounts, sync, or shared data. Supabase and similar services have free tiers that cover small apps. Many first apps are offline and need no backend at all, so you may never pay for one.
What about subscription tools?
RevenueCat handles in-app subscriptions and has a free tier until you are earning real revenue. Add it when you are ready to charge, not before. Until then, you can launch a free app and skip subscription tooling entirely.
How much to build and launch a first app total?
Often just the developer accounts, so as little as around 25 dollars for a Google-only launch or 99 dollars a year to include Apple, plus your Claude Code plan. Everything else can stay free until your app grows into needing it.
Keep going
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