{"id":590,"date":"2025-08-05T10:35:55","date_gmt":"2025-08-05T05:05:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.securis360.com\/blog\/?p=590"},"modified":"2026-02-17T13:36:16","modified_gmt":"2026-02-17T13:36:16","slug":"how-much-does-a-soc-2-audit-cost","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/securis360.com\/blog\/how-much-does-a-soc-2-audit-cost\/","title":{"rendered":"How Much Does a SOC 2 Audit Cost?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

SOC 2 compliance is more than a checkbox\u2014it’s a strategic investment in building trust, protecting customer data, and unlocking enterprise growth. But with that trust comes a price tag. So, how much does a SOC 2 audit cost<\/a>?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether you’re an early-stage SaaS startup or a growing enterprise preparing for B2B expansion, understanding the cost breakdown of a SOC 2 audit<\/a> helps in effective budgeting and planning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s dive into the typical cost ranges, hidden expenses, and actionable tips to manage your SOC 2 audit cost smartly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

What is a SOC 2 Audit?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A SOC 2 audit assesses how well a company protects customer data based on five Trust Services Criteria (TSC):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. Security<\/strong> (required)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Availability<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Processing Integrity<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Confidentiality<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Privacy<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    There are two types of audits:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    • SOC 2 Type 1:<\/strong> Evaluates the design of controls at a point in time<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • SOC 2 Type 2:<\/strong> Assesses operational effectiveness over 3\u201312 months<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
      \n\n\n\n

      SOC 2 Audit Cost Breakdown (Overview)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Component<\/strong><\/th>Estimated Cost Range<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
      Readiness Assessment<\/td>$15,000<\/td><\/tr>
      Risk Assessment<\/td>$10,000 \u2013 $20,000<\/td><\/tr>
      Penetration Testing<\/td>$10,000 \u2013 $20,000<\/td><\/tr>
      Remediation & Tools<\/td>$25,000 \u2013 $85,000<\/td><\/tr>
      Formal Audit<\/td>$5,000 \u2013 $150,000<\/td><\/tr>
      Annual Maintenance<\/td>$10,000 \u2013 $60,000<\/td><\/tr>
      Total<\/strong><\/td>$80,000 \u2013 $350,000<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
      \n\n\n\n

      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      SOC 2 Type 1 vs Type 2 Audit Costs<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      SOC 2 Type 1<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \n
      • Snapshot<\/strong> audit of your controls at a moment in time.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Lower effort, less documentation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Cost:<\/strong> $5,000 \u2013 $20,000<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Ideal for companies just starting their compliance journey.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        SOC 2 Type 2<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \n
        • Evaluates control effectiveness over a 3\u201312 month period.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Requires monitoring, logging, and evidence gathering.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Cost:<\/strong> $7,000 \u2013 $150,000+<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Preferred by enterprise clients and more comprehensive.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \n

          \ud83d\udd0d Tip:<\/strong> Many companies skip Type 1 and go straight to Type 2 to avoid doing two audits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

          \n\n\n\n

          Key Factors That Affect SOC 2 Audit Costs<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          1. Size & Complexity of Your Organization<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

          Larger companies with complex infrastructure and multiple systems will pay more for readiness and remediation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          2. Scope of Trust Services Criteria<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

          Choosing more TSCs increases the auditor’s workload. Security is mandatory; the rest are optional but often requested by clients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          3. Gap in Current Security Posture<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

          If you’re starting from scratch, you\u2019ll spend more on security tools, logging, and policy documentation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          4. Manual Processes vs Automation<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

          Automated compliance platforms (e.g., Secureframe, Drata) reduce internal burden and save costs over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          5. Audit Firm Choice<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

          Big Four firms (like PwC, EY) charge $100k+ for Type 2. Boutique CPA firms may charge $10k\u2013$50k depending on experience and reputation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \n\n\n\n

          Detailed Breakdown of SOC 2 Costs<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          1. Readiness Assessment ($15,000)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

          A vital step that evaluates your systems, identifies gaps, and determines what you need to fix before the audit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Why it matters:<\/strong> Going into an audit blind increases the risk of failure and expensive rework.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \n\n\n\n

          2. Risk Assessment ($10,000 \u2013 $20,000)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

          Identifies threats and vulnerabilities across your systems and infrastructure. Required for audit preparation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \n\n\n\n

          3. Penetration Testing ($10,000 \u2013 $20,000)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

          Ethical hackers simulate real attacks on your systems and APIs. Most auditors expect a recent pen test as part of the audit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \n\n\n\n

          4. Compliance Tools & Remediation ($25,000 \u2013 $85,000)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
            \n
          • Purchase logging tools (SIEM)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Hire consultants or developers<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Improve authentication systems<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Update or create policies (access control, incident response, etc.)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

            \n\n\n\n

            5. Formal Audit ($5,000 \u2013 $150,000+)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

            Performed by a certified CPA firm.
            Type 2 costs more due to the extended audit period.
            High-end firms charge more but carry more weight with customers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

            \n\n\n\n

            6. Annual Maintenance ($10,000 \u2013 $60,000)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

            SOC 2 isn\u2019t a one-time event. To maintain compliance:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              \n
            • Monitor controls<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Train staff<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Renew tools and licenses<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Perform annual audits or attestations<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

              \n\n\n\n

              Hidden Costs to Watch Out For<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

              \ud83d\udd39 Internal Labor Costs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

              Your internal team will be involved in prepping documentation, monitoring, and working with auditors. Consider time away from other projects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

              \ud83d\udd39 Legal Fees<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

              Reviewing data protection agreements with customers, vendors, and staff is crucial. Contract revisions may incur legal expenses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

              \ud83d\udd39 Training<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

              Ongoing security awareness training is needed. Platforms like Secureframe offer built-in training features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

              \ud83d\udd39 Cyber Insurance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

              To mitigate risk exposure, many companies buy cyber liability insurance after SOC 2 compliance. Average small business premium: $145\/month<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

              \ud83d\udd39 Vulnerability Assessments<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

              Annual assessments of IPs, servers, and applications can cost $1,000 \u2013 $4,500\/year<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

              \n\n\n\n

              How to Reduce SOC 2 Audit Costs<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                \n
              1. Start with a Gap Assessment:<\/strong> Know where you stand to avoid last-minute surprises.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              2. Automate Where Possible:<\/strong> Compliance platforms save time and reduce manual errors.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              3. Prioritize the Right TSCs:<\/strong> Only include necessary Trust Services Criteria.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              4. Train Your Staff Early:<\/strong> Avoid delays during evidence collection and interviews.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              5. Choose the Right Auditor:<\/strong> Balance cost and reputation\u2014don\u2019t overpay for a Big 4 firm unless required.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                \n\n\n\n

                Final Thoughts: Is SOC 2 Worth the Cost?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Yes\u2014especially if you want to close enterprise deals or work in industries that demand proof of data protection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Though the SOC 2 audit cost can range from $80,000 to over $350,000<\/strong>, it:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  \n
                • Increases customer trust<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Unlocks new market opportunities<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Helps prevent breaches and fines<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Enhances internal controls and security maturity<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  \n\n\n\n

                  FAQs<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  How long does a SOC 2 audit take?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                    \n
                  • Type 1: 4\u20138 weeks<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Type 2: 3\u201312 months (depending on control evaluation period)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                    How often do I need a SOC 2 audit?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                      \n
                    • Annually, to maintain ongoing compliance and trust with clients.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                      Can small startups afford SOC 2?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                      Yes\u2014with the help of automation tools and smart scope management, even early-stage startups can achieve SOC 2 on a budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      \n\n\n\n

                      Need help getting SOC 2 compliant without breaking the bank?<\/strong>
                      Get in touch with compliance experts like Securis360<\/strong> to help manage your readiness, remediation, and formal audit at affordable rates.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                      SOC 2 compliance is more than a checkbox\u2014it’s a strategic investment in building trust, protecting customer data, and unlocking enterprise growth. But with that trust comes a price tag. So, how much does a SOC 2 audit cost? Whether you’re an early-stage SaaS startup or a growing enterprise preparing for B2B expansion, understanding the cost […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":900,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[10],"tags":[296,440,5,420,345,441,442,443],"class_list":["post-590","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","tag-audit-readiness","tag-certification-cost","tag-cybersecurity-compliance","tag-risk-assessment","tag-security-audit","tag-soc-2-audit-cost","tag-soc-2-compliance-pricing","tag-soc-2-type-2-cost"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/securis360.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/590","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/securis360.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/securis360.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/securis360.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/securis360.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=590"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/securis360.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/590\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":901,"href":"https:\/\/securis360.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/590\/revisions\/901"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/securis360.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/900"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/securis360.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=590"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/securis360.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=590"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/securis360.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=590"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}