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SOC 2 Audit Cost Guide: Real Pricing from 90+ Auditors [2026]
Stop Googling "how much does SOC 2 cost" and getting vague answers. Here's real pricing data from 90+ verified auditors, broken down by firm type, company size, and complexity.
SOC 2 Audit Cost: The Reality
Based on real data from 90+ verified auditors
Point-in-time assessment
3-8 month timeline
6-12 month observation period
6-20 month timeline
The $438K spread is real. Your actual cost depends on auditor choice, company size, system complexity, and readiness level. Keep reading for the breakdown.
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Cost Breakdown
- • GRC Platform: $12K-$60K/year
- • Internal labor: $25K-$90K
- • Control remediation: $5K-$150K+
- • Optional penetration testing: $15K-$50K
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SOC 2 Cost by Auditor Type
Key Insight
The single biggest factor in SOC 2 cost is which auditor you choose. Price differences of 2-3x for identical scope are common. Compare firm types →
Specialist Auditors ($15K-$75K Type 2)
Examples: Prescient Security, A-LIGN, KirkpatrickPrice, Schellman, Green Rocket Compliance
| Service | Typical Cost | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Type 1 | $12K - $40K | 3-6 months |
| Type 2 | $15K - $75K | 6-10 months |
| Annual Surveillance | $10K - $50K | 4-6 months |
Why they're cheaper:
- Specialized in SOC 2 audits (high volume, streamlined process)
- Lower overhead than Big Four firms
- Technology-enabled audit platforms
- Competitive pricing pressure from peer firms
Best for: Startups, mid-market companies, first-time SOC 2 audits, companies with limited budgets
Regional Firms ($20K-$95K Type 2)
Examples: Moss Adams, Sensiba, Aprio, Withum, Johanson Group, Linford & Company
| Service | Typical Cost | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Type 1 | $15K - $50K | 4-8 months |
| Type 2 | $20K - $95K | 6-12 months |
| Annual Surveillance | $15K - $65K | 5-8 months |
Why mid-range pricing:
- Full-service CPA firms (not just compliance specialists)
- Strong regional presence and relationships
- Partner-level attention on engagements
- Broader service offerings (tax, audit, advisory)
Best for: Regional companies, clients of these firms for other services, companies wanting personalized attention
Mid-Tier Firms ($30K-$120K Type 2)
Examples: RSM, Grant Thornton, BDO, Baker Tilly
| Service | Typical Cost | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Type 1 | $20K - $65K | 5-10 months |
| Type 2 | $30K - $120K | 8-14 months |
| Annual Surveillance | $20K - $80K | 6-10 months |
Why higher pricing:
- National firms with Big Four quality standards
- Middle-market specialization ($50M-$500M revenue companies)
- Deep industry expertise and global affiliations
- Premium positioning vs specialist firms
Best for: Mid-market companies, PE-backed firms, companies needing multi-framework audits, clients seeking Big Four quality at lower cost
Big Four Firms ($60K-$450K Type 2)
Examples: Deloitte, PwC, KPMG, EY
| Service | Typical Cost | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Type 1 | $40K - $160K | 6-12 months |
| Type 2 | $60K - $450K | 10-20 months |
| Annual Surveillance | $40K - $300K | 8-14 months |
Why premium pricing:
- Brand recognition and prestige value
- Global delivery capabilities and resources
- Complex engagement requirements and quality controls
- Premium positioning and limited price competition
Best for: IPO-track companies, Fortune 500 enterprises, companies with complex global operations, heavily regulated industries
SOC 2 Cost by Company Size
Your company size directly impacts audit cost because it affects scope, complexity, and time required.
Small Company (1-50 employees)
- Type 1: $12K - $30K
- Type 2: $15K - $45K
- Best auditors: Specialist firms, regional firms
- Timeline: 3-8 months
Mid-Size Company (51-200)
- Type 1: $20K - $60K
- Type 2: $30K - $90K
- Best auditors: Specialist, regional, mid-tier
- Timeline: 5-12 months
Large Company (201-500)
- Type 1: $40K - $100K
- Type 2: $60K - $200K
- Best auditors: Mid-tier firms, Big Four
- Timeline: 8-16 months
Enterprise (500+)
- Type 1: $60K - $160K
- Type 2: $100K - $450K
- Best auditors: Big Four, large mid-tier
- Timeline: 10-20 months
Cost Factors That Increase Pricing
1. Multiple Trust Service Criteria
- Security only: Base cost
- Security + 1 TSC: +15-25%
- All 5 TSC: +50-75%
2. Complex System Architecture
- Simple SaaS: Base cost
- Microservices: +20-30%
- Highly complex/Global: +50-100%
3. Low Readiness Level
- Documented controls: Base cost
- Significant gaps: +25-50%
- Starting from scratch: +50-100%
Hidden Costs Beyond the Audit Fee
Important
The auditor fee is just one component of total SOC 2 cost. Many companies underestimate the full investment by 50-100%.
Internal Labor Costs
- First-time audit: 300-600 hours
- Annual surveillance: 150-300 hours
- Hidden cost: $30K-$60K
GRC Platform Costs
- Vanta/Drata: $15K-$60K/year
- Secureframe: $12K-$40K/year
- Value: Saves 100+ hours
Total First-Year SOC 2 Cost Examples
Startup (20 employees, simple SaaS)
- Audit fee (Type 2, specialist): $22,000
- GRC platform (Secureframe): $15,000
- Internal labor (250 hours): $25,000
- Remediation: $8,000
Mid-Market (150 employees, moderate complexity)
- Audit fee (Type 2, regional): $55,000
- GRC platform (Vanta): $35,000
- Internal labor (400 hours): $40,000
- Remediation & Readiness: $55,000
How to Reduce SOC 2 Costs
- 1Start with Security Only. Don't add optional criteria unless required.
- 2Get 3-5 Quotes. Pricing varies 50-150% for same scope. Custom quotes are essential.
- 3Use a GRC Platform. Tools like Vanta or Drata cost money but save significantly on audit fees and labor.
- 4Avoid Big Four. Unless you are IPO-bound or global enterprise, specialist firms offer better value.
Compare Real Auditor Pricing
Here are Type 2 pricing ranges from auditors in our directory:
Specialist Auditors (Lowest Cost)
Big Four (Premium Brand)
Related guides: What is SOC 2? • How to Choose an Auditor • Compare All Auditors • Full Cost Guide
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