Solana

here's the program (contract) code: https://github.com/jc4p/mutual-match-frame/blob/main/onchain-program/programs/onchain-program/src/lib.rs

It cost 1.42809184 SOL exactly to deploy

can anyone help me understand why it costs ~$200 to deploy a relatively simple contract on solana?

I assumed it would cost comparable amounts to base (eg cents) and feel like my mental model needs updating

what is the difference in architecture that drives this?

the program becomes part of the global state. It is priced highly because  the ram requirements of all solana validators are downstream from this.

But in case your miniapp does not work out you can reclaim most of the funds.