> unless this is waived for these kinds of apps, I couldn’t tell when trying to dig up an answer

Mostly, no.

"You can request to have the annual Apple Developer Program membership fee waived if you’re a nonprofit organization, accredited educational institution, or government entity that will distribute only free apps on the App Store and is based in an eligible country."

"Fee waivers are not available for: Individuals and sole proprietors/single person businesses"

https://developer.apple.com/support/membership-fee-waiver/