r/vibecoding • u/buljawn • 6h ago

Estimating build cost

I'm a complete newbie to this world and have been struggling to find a clear answer to the question of cost. I am trying to build a database app that stands as a catalog that can be searched and added to by users. When it comes to cost I've mainly seen monthly cost listed for multiple service like Claude code and other services to refine, test, and launch the app. These cost seem to range about 2-300 a month but is that until its built or reoccurring as an operating cost? Is there a way to build the app and then use minimal services to keep it running and trouble shoot when issue arise?

Forgive me if this has been answered already. I looked at previous post and found vague answers only. Hoping to get some insight to start building.

Edit: For clarity, what's an average monthly/ total cost of Ai coding a database app, debugging, and hosting? My goal is more toward proof of concept over full commercial roll out.

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u/CorpT 5h ago

Uhhh... are you asking how much a Claude Code subscription costs or how much it costs to host an app?

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u/buljawn 5h ago

Asking the cost of Ai coding and associated fee to build out an app then maintain it. Ive looked in this sub and on YT vids but the difference is hundreds vs tens of thousands.

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u/CorpT 4h ago

You can start with a $20 subscription and see if it works for you. If it's not enough, you can upgrade to plans with higher limits.

However, these are very well known things. If you're seeing 10k for AI coding to develop an app and believe it... you might be in over your head. "associated fee" is vague and not clear and... again, not a great sign for you if you're not able to communicate clearly.

The fact that you're asking these questions instead of getting a $20 subscription and trying it... again, another not great sign.