You will need to pay a non-refundable administration fee when applying for a Schengen visa, in order for your visa application to be processed.
The member countries have synchronized the visa fees; therefore, they are static and unchangeable until decided otherwise by the Schengen states.
Currently a Schengen visa fee is €60 per person. Children and some other specific categories will have to pay either reduced fees or no fees at all, depending on their situation. Check the list of Schengen visa fees, their reductions and exemptions to see if you belong to any of those categories!