How much do customised cakes usually cost? My friend was quoted $500 for a Mickey Mouse 2-tier red velvet cake with fondant décor. Is that exp?

You can get a cheaper and better design for 2 tier cake.Tbh For $500 it's a bit too much for Mickey mouse design and most of the people will eat the cake not the fondant. You paid more for the fondant then the cake. And make sure that the cake taste good.