For most startups and mid-market companies in 2026, the cost of a SOC 2 audit typically ranges from $10,000 to $50,000. For larger enterprise organizations, SOC 2 costs can exceed $100,000, depending on company size, audit scope, and the complexity of your cybersecurity infrastructure.
However, the audit fee itself is only one part of the total cost of becoming SOC 2 compliant. When you factor in readiness assessments, tooling, penetration testing, and internal staff time, the true investment is often significantly higher.
In this guide, we break down exactly how much a SOC 2 audit costs, what drives pricing up or down, and how your organization can reduce costs without cutting corners.
- SOC 2 Audit Cost Overview
- SOC 2 Type 1 vs. SOC 2 Type 2 Costs
- What Drives SOC 2 Audit Costs?
- Additional SOC 2 Compliance Costs to Expect
- One-Time vs. Ongoing SOC 2 Costs
- How to Reduce SOC 2 Costs Without Cutting Corners
- Frequently Asked Questions About SOC 2 Audit Costs
- Turn SOC 2 Compliance Into a Growth Advantage
SOC 2 Audit Cost Overview
Here’s a high-level look at SOC 2 audit pricing in 2026:
- SOC 2 Type 1 audit: $5,000 to $20,000 for small to mid-sized companies
- SOC 2 Type 2 audit: $10,000 to $20,000 for SMBs; $30,000 to $100,000+ for enterprises
- Total SOC 2 compliance cost (including prep): $25,000 to $150,000+
The wide range comes down to a few key variables, which we’ll cover below.
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SOC 2 Type 1 vs. SOC 2 Type 2 Costs
SOC 2 Type 1 Audit Costs
Estimated cost: $5,000 to $20,000
A SOC 2 Type 1 audit evaluates whether your security controls are designed correctly at a specific point in time. The auditor verifies that the required controls exist, but does not test whether they operate effectively over time.
Because the audit is limited to a snapshot in time, Type 1 reports are faster and less expensive.
Best for:
- Early-stage startups
- Companies needing SOC 2 to close their first enterprise deal
- Organizations looking to establish baseline security credibility
SOC 2 Type 2 Audit Costs
Estimated cost: $10,000 to $100,000+
A SOC 2 Type 2 audit evaluates the operating effectiveness of your controls over a period of time, typically 3 to 6 months.
Auditors test whether controls are consistently followed. For example, they may verify that employee access is revoked within the timeframe defined in your policies or that security incidents are logged and reviewed correctly.
Type 2 audits cost more because:
- They cover a longer testing period
- More evidence is reviewed
- Auditors perform deeper sampling and validation
Best for:
- Companies selling into enterprise or regulated markets
- SaaS vendors facing security questionnaires
- Organizations that want SOC 2 to support long-term sales growth
What Drives SOC 2 Audit Costs?
If you ask several founders how much they paid for SOC 2 compliance, you’ll likely hear very different numbers. That’s because SOC 2 pricing depends on a few major cost drivers:
1. Scope and Complexity
Auditing only the Security Trust Service Criteria is significantly cheaper than including Availability, Confidentiality, Processing Integrity, or Privacy. More criteria means more controls, more systems, and higher audit fees.
2. Company Size
Larger organizations require larger sample sizes, more interviews, and more systems to review. A 20-person startup will pay far less than a 500-person enterprise.
3. Auditor Reputation
Well-known CPA firms typically charge higher fees than smaller regional auditors. Some enterprise customers may require audits from recognized firms, which can increase costs.
4. Audit Type
Type 2 audits are always more expensive than Type 1 audits due to longer testing periods and increased auditor effort.
Additional SOC 2 Compliance Costs to Expect
The audit itself is only part of the total SOC 2 cost. Most organizations also incur the following expenses:
Readiness and Preparation Costs
Before an audit begins, most companies complete a readiness or gap assessment to identify missing controls.
- SOC 2 readiness assessment: $10,000 to $15,000
- Risk assessment: $10,000 to $20,000 if performed by an external consultant or compliance expert
These assessments help reduce the risk of a failed or qualified audit.
Documentation and Compliance Tools
SOC 2 requires extensive policies, procedures, and ongoing evidence collection. Many companies use compliance automation platforms to reduce manual work.
- Compliance platforms (Vanta, Drata, etc.): $5,000 to $20,000 per year for SMBs
- Enterprise tooling: Can exceed $100,000 annually for large organizations
These tools automate evidence collection, reduce audit fatigue, and lower long-term compliance costs.
Penetration Testing Costs
Penetration testing is not mandatory for SOC 2, but it is often expected by enterprise customers.
- Penetration testing: $5,000 to $15,000 depending on scope and depth
Including a pen test can significantly improve buyer confidence during security reviews.
Internal Staff Time
One of the most underestimated SOC 2 costs is internal labor.
- Engineering and security teams configure controls and logging
- Leadership reviews policies and risk decisions
- Employees complete security training
Many organizations spend 100+ internal hours preparing for SOC 2, pulling high-value employees away from core business initiatives.
Legal and Training Expenses
Additional administrative costs may include:
- Legal review of vendor contracts and data protection clauses
- Security awareness training platforms charged per employee
These costs vary but should be included in your SOC 2 budget planning.
One-Time vs. Ongoing SOC 2 Costs
SOC 2 compliance is not a one-time event. Reports must be renewed annually, and controls must be maintained year-round.
Ongoing SOC 2 Costs Include:
- Continuous monitoring tools: $5,000 to $20,000 per year
- Policy and documentation updates
- Ongoing staff and security leadership time
Organizations with a vCISO or internal security lead typically allocate ongoing hours to maintain audit readiness.
How to Reduce SOC 2 Costs Without Cutting Corners
1. Limit Your Audit Scope
Only include systems and products that handle customer data. Excluding internal tools or non-production systems can significantly reduce audit fees.
2. Automate Evidence Collection
Compliance platforms reduce manual screenshots, speed up audits, and lower both internal and auditor costs.
3. Work With SOC 2 Experts
Attempting SOC 2 without guidance often leads to delays, rework, or qualified reports. Experienced SOC 2 implementation partners help teams get compliant faster while minimizing engineering disruption.
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Frequently Asked Questions About SOC 2 Audit Costs
Is SOC 2 Type 2 Worth the Extra Cost?
Yes. Most enterprise buyers expect a Type 2 report. Type 1 is often viewed as a temporary milestone rather than a final requirement.
Can I Do SOC 2 Without a Compliance Platform?
You can, but manual evidence collection typically increases internal labor costs and auditor fees. For most teams, automation pays for itself.
How Long Does a SOC 2 Audit Take?
- Type 1: 2 to 6 weeks once ready
- Type 2: 3 to 12 months of monitoring plus 3 to 6 weeks of auditing
Is SOC 2 Tax-Deductible?
SOC 2 expenses are generally considered ordinary and necessary business expenses. Always confirm with your CPA.
Is SOC 2 Cheaper for Startups?
Yes. Smaller teams with simpler infrastructure typically pay far less than larger organizations due to reduced audit complexity.
Turn SOC 2 Compliance Into a Growth Advantage
SOC 2 doesn’t have to slow your business down. With the right scope, tools, and expertise, compliance can accelerate sales cycles and unlock enterprise opportunities.
Polimity provides security and compliance solutions designed for high-growth technology companies. We help teams get audit-ready faster, scale securely, and close bigger deals.
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