SOC 2 audits in 2025 can cost anywhere from $10,000 to over $150,000, depending on your company size, audit type, and scope. Preparing for these audits often involves additional expenses, such as readiness assessments ($3,000–$25,000), compliance tools ($7,000–$50,000 annually), and internal staff time (up to $75,000). Here’s a quick breakdown of what you need to know:

• Audit Types: SOC 2 Type I audits are less expensive ($5,000–$25,000) compared to Type II audits ($7,000–$150,000+), which require a 12-month evaluation.
• Key Cost Drivers: Company size, business complexity, audit scope, and the number of Trust Service Criteria (TSCs) evaluated.
• Preparation Costs: Readiness assessments, training, and remediation can add $10,000–$100,000+.
• Automation Tools: Platforms like Secureframe, Drata, and Vanta cost $7,000–$25,000 annually but can save time and reduce manual effort.
• Maintenance: Expect ongoing costs for renewals, training, and monitoring tools, typically 70–80% of the initial audit fee.

To simplify planning, use a budget template and cost calculator to estimate your total expenses and avoid surprises. These tools help you organize costs, track spending, and identify savings opportunities. Start preparing 6–12 months before your audit to stay on track and reduce last-minute expenses.

How to Achieve SOC 2 Compliance For $20K or Less

Main Factors That Affect SOC 2 Audit Costs

Understanding the factors that shape SOC 2 audit costs can help you plan your budget effectively. Let's take a closer look at the key elements influencing these expenses.

Company Size and Business Complexity

The size of your organization and the complexity of its operations play a big role in determining audit costs.

"Typically, auditor costs get steeper with an increase in the organization's employee count and the complexity of the systems and controls involved. For instance, a SaaS firm with under 25 employees will have relatively less complex systems and controls to evaluate during the audit than a firm with more than 200 employees. Therefore, it isn't uncommon for auditors to charge based on these factors."

For small to medium-sized businesses, SOC 2 Type II audits typically range from $20,000 to $40,000, while larger enterprises may pay $150,000 or more. Smaller companies often have fewer controls to review, making the process simpler. On the other hand, larger organizations require auditors to examine a broader range of controls, conduct interviews across multiple departments, and analyze more extensive data, which drives up costs.

SOC 2 Report Type and Audit Scope

The type of SOC 2 report you select has a major impact on your budget. Type I audits generally cost between $5,000 and $20,000, while Type II audits, which evaluate control effectiveness over a 12-month period, can range from $7,000 to over $150,000.

The scope of your audit is another critical factor. Including more Trust Services Criteria (TSC) - such as security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, or privacy - adds complexity and increases costs. Most organizations start with security as the primary focus and expand the scope based on business needs and customer demands. By narrowing your audit to only the systems and processes that are essential, you can avoid unnecessary evaluations and keep costs under control.

Current State of Internal Controls

Your organization’s preparedness can significantly influence audit costs. A readiness assessment, which typically costs between $3,000 and $25,000, can help identify areas of improvement before the formal audit begins. Addressing gaps early can save you from costly re-audits or delays.

Having strong internal documentation is another way to save time and money. When your team has already mapped out controls, gathered evidence, and established clear policies, auditors can focus on evaluating rather than discovering, leading to lower fees and quicker completion times.

External Services and Compliance Tools

The external services and tools you choose can either add to or reduce your overall SOC 2 costs. While these services require upfront spending, they often deliver long-term savings by streamlining processes.

Compliance automation platforms are a popular choice, with annual costs ranging from $2,000 to $20,000. Here’s a quick comparison of some top providers:

Automation tools can significantly reduce manual effort and speed up the audit process. For example, 35% of Secureframe users report completing audits in less than half the usual time, with average cost savings of 25-50%.

Consulting services can also be valuable, with costs ranging from $5,000 to $20,000. These services provide support for gap analysis, control implementation, and audit preparation. Additionally, penetration testing, a common requirement for security controls, costs between $5,000 and $15,000 when conducted by third-party providers.

Striking the right balance between in-house efforts and external support is essential. Bram Ketting from 3rdRisk highlighted the value of efficient resource allocation:

"The amount of resources, time, and money on consultants we saved to achieve SOC 2 Type 1 in 2 weeks is unheard of."

Choosing the right tools and services is a critical step before diving into cost planning and using budgeting tools.

Complete Breakdown of SOC 2 Audit Costs

Knowing where your SOC 2 budget goes is key to planning effectively. Let’s break down the major cost components to give you a clearer picture.

Audit Preparation and Readiness Costs

Getting ready for a SOC 2 audit requires an upfront investment. A readiness assessment typically costs between $3,000 and $20,000. If your controls need improvements, remediation expenses can range from $10,000 to over $100,000, depending on how much work is needed.

Staff training is another important component, costing an average of $25 per user annually, with larger training sessions reaching up to $15,000. Additionally, legal fees can vary depending on your organization’s complexity.

External Auditor Fees

Once you’re prepared, the auditor's fee becomes the next big expense. For a SOC 2 Type I audit, costs generally fall between $5,000 and $25,000, with most organizations paying around $12,000 to $17,000. Small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) typically spend $15,000 to $30,000, while larger companies may pay $30,000 to $50,000.

SOC 2 Type II audits are more expensive, with fees ranging from $7,000 to $50,000. SMBs usually pay between $30,000 and $70,000, while larger enterprises may face costs of $70,000 to $120,000 or more. Some audit firms charge based on the Trust Service Criteria being evaluated. For example, one firm charges $20,000 for Security alone and $26,000 if Availability and Confidentiality are included. The Big 4 accounting firms generally charge higher rates compared to mid-tier or boutique auditors.

Compliance Tools and Software Costs

Automation tools have become essential for managing SOC 2 compliance. Platforms for compliance software typically cost between $7,000 and $50,000 annually. Specialized solutions, like Sprinto, range from $5,000 to $30,000 per year. Automation not only reduces manual effort but also speeds up the audit process - over 60% of organizations report saving 25–50% in costs and completing audits in less than half the usual time.

On top of compliance software, companies often invest in security tools such as antivirus software ($30–$100 per user), password managers ($30–$60 per user), vulnerability scanners ($2,000–$5,000), and SIEM tools ($5,000–$50,000+).

As Girish Redekar, co-founder of Sprinto, puts it:

"Sprinto replaces the slow, laborious, and error-prone process of obtaining security compliances such as SOC 2 with a swift, hassle-free, tech-enabled experience."

Internal Staff Time and Opportunity Costs

SOC 2 compliance requires significant time from your team. A dedicated project lead may need to work on the project for about six months, which can translate to roughly $75,000 in salary costs for a senior professional. Other team members across IT, security, legal, and operations also spend time documenting controls, gathering evidence, and implementing policies - time that could otherwise be used for revenue-generating activities.

Maintenance and Renewal Costs

SOC 2 compliance isn’t a one-and-done effort - it requires annual upkeep. Renewals typically cost 70–80% of the initial audit fee, as auditors can build on prior work. Continuous monitoring tools, which track control effectiveness between audits, usually require annual subscriptions costing $7,000 to $25,000.

Recurring costs also include refresher training and policy updates, which often amount to 10–20% of the original training costs each year. Regular third-party assessments, like penetration tests ($5,000 to $25,000) and vulnerability scans ($1,000 to $5,000), are also necessary. Overall, annual maintenance costs typically range from $15,000 to $40,000, though the exact amount depends on the tools, internal resources, and audit scope.

How Cycore Reduces SOC 2 Audit Costs

Cycore offers outsourced services designed to cut down SOC 2 audit expenses while maintaining strict compliance standards. These services provide a practical solution for small and medium-sized businesses looking to achieve compliance without breaking the bank.

Outsourced GRC and Compliance Services

Hiring a full-time security team can be costly, but Cycore simplifies things with virtual CISO (vCISO) and virtual Data Protection Officer (vDPO) services tailored for smaller businesses. These services eliminate the need for expensive in-house staff while keeping your business audit-ready at all times.

Cycore also takes the headache out of managing compliance tools like Drata, Vanta, Secureframe, and Thoropass. Their GRC tool administration services handle everything from configuration to ongoing management, saving you the time and cost of training internal staff. In fact, Cycore supports over 15 compliance frameworks, ensuring broad coverage for your needs.

Take ReadMe, for example. By leveraging Cycore's GRC services, they cut their security questionnaire response time by 66% and saved a whopping 1,656 hours annually. This efficiency doesn’t just save time - it helps close deals faster.

"Our streamlined compliance management offering ensures that you adhere to all the compliance requirements efficiently"

Cycore’s outsourced GRC services make compliance more manageable and cost-effective.

Cost Savings and Flexible Solutions

Cycore’s services are designed with flexibility in mind, allowing businesses to scale their compliance efforts as they grow. Instead of locking you into a one-size-fits-all solution, Cycore lets you pay for only what you need. This approach prevents overspending during early stages while ensuring you’re ready to scale up when the time comes.

For instance, their vDPO services can be engaged for specific projects or ongoing support, offering expertise without the financial burden of hiring a full-time employee.

This approach also addresses a critical industry challenge. While 94.2% of CISOs agree that continuous controls monitoring enhances compliance and security, only 72% of organizations have implemented such solutions. Cycore bridges this gap by offering advanced compliance monitoring as a service, eliminating the need for upfront investments in tools or training.

"Cycore helps you achieve and maintain high standards of security and compliance, distinguishing your business from the competition...This distinction attracts security-conscious customers and partners."

By offering scalable and flexible solutions, Cycore ensures businesses can meet compliance standards without unnecessary spending.

Service Plans and Key Features

Cycore provides three service tiers to meet diverse business needs:

Every plan includes audit preparation and support, streamlining the compliance process and reducing reliance on costly external assessments. With Cycore’s tiered offerings, businesses can choose the right level of support to align with their current and future needs.

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SOC 2 Budget Template and Cost Calculator

Planning for a SOC 2 audit can feel overwhelming, but having the right tools makes all the difference. A well-structured budget template and a detailed cost calculator can help you map out your expenses, avoid surprises, and stay on track with your compliance goals.

Budget Template Overview

The SOC 2 budget template is designed to help you organize and track all audit-related costs. It categorizes expenses into eight main areas: readiness assessment ($5,000–$15,000), Type 1 audit ($5,000–$25,000), Type 2 audit ($7,000–$50,000), compliance automation platforms ($6,000–$25,000 annually), security tools and training ($3,000–$10,000), penetration testing ($3,000–$20,000+), legal and policy work (up to $10,000), and ongoing maintenance costs.

Each category includes specific line items with typical price ranges based on your company’s size and complexity. For instance, Mobile Device Management (MDM) tools might cost around $5 per user per month, while security awareness training programs could range from $3,000 to $10,000 annually. The template even accounts for internal staff time, which is often a hidden but significant expense.

To make cash flow management easier, the template breaks expenses down monthly and quarterly, reflecting the phased nature of SOC 2 audits. It also includes variance columns, so you can compare actual spending against your budget and adjust as needed.

Cost Calculator Features

The cost calculator takes things a step further by generating customized estimates based on your organization’s specific needs. By inputting details like company size, control maturity, and audit scope, you’ll receive a tailored projection of total costs.

It also accounts for different implementation strategies. For example:

• Hiring a consultant typically starts at $15,000 per year with a six-month implementation timeline.
• GRC tools can cost around $59,750 annually.
• Compliance automation platforms begin at approximately $16,500 per year but require about 400 hours of team effort annually.

The calculator factors in variables like the number of Trust Service Criteria (TSCs) you’re targeting, your system’s complexity, the type of auditor you prefer, and whether you’re pursuing Type 1 or Type 2 certification. If your organization already has strong security measures in place, you might even see reduced preparation costs.

One standout feature is the scenario modeling tool, which lets you compare cost options side by side. For instance, bundling your audit with a compliance automation platform might give you access to vetted CPAs at discounted rates - sometimes as low as $2,000. This makes it easier to spot cost-saving opportunities that might otherwise go unnoticed.

How to Use These Planning Tools

To get the most out of these tools, start with the budget template 6–12 months before your audit. Use it to set clear cost expectations, secure approval from your finance team, and align your assumptions about the process.

The cost calculator becomes especially useful after you’ve completed an initial security assessment but before you’ve chosen vendors or auditors. Inputting specific details about your organization will give you the most accurate estimates. Running preliminary calculations in Q4 and updating them quarterly as new information becomes available can help you stay on top of your budget.

For ongoing management, use the template to track actual spending against your projections. This allows you to catch potential overruns early and refine your plans for future audits. A risk-based budgeting approach can also be helpful - allocate more resources to areas where you’ve identified security gaps or compliance challenges. Additionally, the calculator can demonstrate how investing in readiness upfront can save time and lower certification costs.

Conclusion

Summing up the insights shared earlier, understanding SOC 2 audit costs is a crucial step for businesses aiming to prioritize data security and meet regulatory requirements in today’s cybersecurity landscape. These costs can range significantly - from $20,000 for smaller startups to over $150,000 for larger enterprises - making precise budget planning a necessity.

Several factors influence SOC 2 compliance expenses, including the size and complexity of your organization, the type of audit, and your choice of auditor. Additionally, hidden costs like readiness assessments and subscriptions to compliance platforms can have a substantial impact if overlooked. However, strategic planning and the use of automation tools can help mitigate these expenses. In fact, over 60% of organizations report that automation has significantly reduced their SOC 2 compliance costs.

“SOC 2 compliance is essential, but the costs can quickly add up if you're not prepared.”

• Pun Group Advisors

For businesses seeking expert guidance, Cycore’s outsourced GRC and compliance services offer an efficient alternative. Through their vCISO services and comprehensive compliance management across various frameworks, Cycore provides flexible pricing options tailored to your needs. As one client shared:

“Outsourcing to Cycore Secure eliminates the need for a full-time, in-house security team, which can be costly. We offer comprehensive services at a fraction of the cost, providing you with expert support without the financial burden of full-time salaries and benefits.”

• Cycore Secure

To stay ahead, tools like budget templates and cost calculators can help you forecast expenses, uncover savings opportunities, and maintain financial control throughout the compliance journey. Starting preparations 6–12 months in advance and leveraging automation can further streamline the process, saving both time and money.

With total compliance costs typically falling between $30,000 and $50,000 for most organizations, thorough preparation and smart strategies can ensure a smooth audit experience. By planning carefully, forming the right partnerships, and using effective tools, you can safeguard your data while keeping your budget on track, setting your business up for cost-effective SOC 2 compliance.

FAQs

How can small businesses keep SOC 2 audit costs manageable while staying compliant?

Small businesses can keep SOC 2 audit costs manageable by focusing on smart planning and efficiency. One way to save is by narrowing the audit scope to include only the most critical systems and processes. Starting with a Type I report can also lower initial costs while laying the groundwork for a future Type II audit.

Using automation tools and maintaining well-organized compliance workflows can help reduce both the time and money spent on preparation. As of 2025, SOC 2 audit fees generally fall between $7,500 and $15,000, depending on your organization’s size and operational complexity. With careful planning and streamlined processes, small businesses can meet compliance standards without breaking the bank.

What are the benefits of using compliance automation platforms for SOC 2 audits?

Compliance automation platforms simplify the SOC 2 audit process by automating essential tasks like gathering evidence, conducting risk assessments, and monitoring controls. This automation reduces the need for manual work, saves time, and lowers the chances of human error slipping into the process.

These platforms also keep organizations aligned with compliance requirements by offering real-time updates and alerts, ensuring they're always prepared for audits. By making processes more efficient, they help reduce expenses while improving security and maintaining data integrity - an effective solution for businesses across the board.

How does the type of SOC 2 report affect audit costs and preparation requirements?

The Impact of Your SOC 2 Report Choice

The type of SOC 2 report you select plays a big role in shaping your budget and the effort needed for preparation. A SOC 2 Type 2 report is more costly, typically falling between $20,000 and $100,000 or more. This is because it involves evaluating how well your controls perform over a longer period. It also demands ongoing compliance efforts and a deeper level of preparation.

On the other hand, a SOC 2 Type 1 report is less expensive. It focuses on reviewing your controls at a single point in time. While preparation is still required, this type of report is generally quicker to complete and less demanding in terms of resources.

When deciding between the two, think carefully about your organization's needs and resources. Choosing the right report type can make the audit process smoother and more efficient.

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