.svg){kind=logo}
Planning for SOC 2 in 2025? You're in good company.
Maybe you're chasing bigger enterprise deals. Maybe a major prospect just dropped the “do you have SOC 2?” bomb. Either way, knowing the real SOC 2 compliance cost upfront can save you stress—and serious budget surprises.
Here’s the thing: cost estimates online are all over the place. Some make it sound like a weekend project. Others feel like you’re building a second startup just to get certified.
That’s why we made this straight-talking guide.
You’ll get a clear, detailed breakdown of every piece of the puzzle—SOC 2 certification cost, internal effort, tools, services, and even culture change. And yep, we’ll show you how automation can slice that cost by up to 50%.
Let’s dig in and make every dollar count.
How Much Does SOC 2 Really Cost?
Let’s talk numbers—because SOC 2 isn't a flat fee, and what you spend in 2025 depends a lot on who you are and how you're built.
If you’re a lean startup aiming for SOC 2 Type 1, expect to spend around $10k to $50k. It’s the faster, lighter option—think of it as a one-time snapshot of your security controls.
For early-stage teams looking to check the compliance box and keep deals moving, it’s a smart place to start.
But if you’re a growing scale-up or an enterprise aiming for SOC 2 Type 2, the numbers jump. Budgets here usually land between $75k and $150k, and in some complex environments, even $200k+.
That’s because Type 2 looks at how your controls perform over time—typically across a 3 to 12-month window—and demands a deeper level of evidence, tooling, and coordination.
So what drives that cost difference?
A few key factors:
- Team size (larger companies = more sampling, more policies).
- System complexity (microservices? distributed teams? brace yourself).
- Number of trust criteria in scope (hint: more than three? Get ready to multiply the effort).
- How "audit-ready" you are out of the gate.
🎯 Ideal visual here: Side-by-side bar chart with budget ranges for startups vs. enterprise, Type 1 vs. Type 2.
Bottom line? Your SOC 2 certification cost reflects your company’s stage, setup, and readiness. And yes, there are ways to stay on the lower end of that range—we'll show you how.
Next up, let’s dig into the full breakdown of what you're actually paying for.
SOC 2 Cost Components
Let’s break this down. The total SOC 2 compliance cost isn't just the auditor's invoice—it’s a stack of moving parts across tools, people, and policies. Here's exactly what you need to plan for.
1. Auditor & Readiness Fees
First up: the core of your SOC 2 audit cost—paying the auditor.
This covers everything from initial scoping calls and planning to the actual audit work, whether it's done remotely or on-site.
Here’s what most companies spend:
- $5k – $25k for a Type 1 audit
- $7k – $50k for Type 2, depending on length and complexity
But here’s a money-saving tip: if you bundle your audit with a compliance automation platform, you can often access vetted CPAs at discounted rates—sometimes as low as $2,000. These bundles are becoming the go-to for startups that want speed and savings without compromising on quality.
Now, don’t skip the readiness assessment. It’s an optional pre-audit check-up that helps identify gaps early. It typically costs $5k – $15k, but catching issues here can save you thousands during the actual audit.
🖼️ Ideal visual here: Timeline graphic showing Readiness ➜ Audit ➜ Report Issued.
This is the first major line item in your SOC 2 certification cost—but as you'll see, it's far from the only one.
2. Internal Labour (Hidden but Huge)
Here’s the sneaky cost nobody warns you about: your own team’s time.
To pull off a successful SOC 2 audit, you’ll need:
- A dedicated project owner (usually 50–100% of someone’s time for 4–6 months)
- Cross-functional support from engineering, legal, HR, and ops
Even with automation, you're looking at hundreds of hours—reviewing policies, gathering evidence, sitting through auditor calls, and fixing gaps.
And if you’re a startup? That time usually comes straight out of product or growth priorities. So while it’s not a line item in your invoice, it’s a major chunk of your SOC 2 compliance cost.
3. Tech & Tooling
To pass a SOC 2 audit, your tech stack has to walk the talk. It’s not just about having policies—it’s about proving your systems are secure, monitored, and compliant.
Here’s what that includes:
- Infrastructure & code repository tooling
Think logging systems, MFA enforcement, version control, and access monitoring.
These usually fall under your existing infra bill, but they need to be configured the right way to meet SOC 2 expectations. - MDM (Mobile Device Management) tools
Essential for securing laptops and mobile devices—especially with remote teams.
Expect to spend around $5 per user per month. - Compliance automation platforms like ComplyJet
These pull everything together—automating evidence collection, mapping controls, and tracking compliance status.
Pricing typically ranges from $6,000 to $25,000 per year, depending on features and headcount.
🖼️ Consider adding a screenshot of a compliance dashboard showing real-time control status or audit readiness score.
This is one of the smartest places to invest—because the right tooling can save hundreds of manual hours down the road.
4. Security Services
Auditors don’t just want to hear that your systems are secure—they want to see proof, and that’s where third-party security testing comes in.
The most common (and expected) service? Penetration testing.
This is a simulated cyberattack conducted by ethical hackers to uncover real vulnerabilities in your systems—before the bad guys do. It’s a critical trust signal for auditors and enterprise customers alike.
But that’s not the only option. Depending on your infrastructure and scope, you might also
Pricing varies based on scope and complexity but generally falls in the $3,000 to $20,000+ range.
🖼️ Consider adding a visual flow: “Types of Pen Tests ➜ What They Cover ➜ Cost Range”
If you’re using a compliance automation platform, some offer preferred vendor discounts—or even include these services in a bundle. Worth asking about before signing a separate contract.
Bottom line? This is one cost bucket that doubles as a security upgrade and a compliance must-have.
5. Training & Culture
SOC 2 isn’t just about tech—it’s about how your people handle security every day.
Auditors want to see that your team’s been trained on key topics like phishing, password hygiene, data handling, and incident reporting. This goes beyond compliance—it builds a real security-first culture.
Typically, you’d budget:
- $3,000 to $10,000 for an annual security awareness training program
- Plus time for team participation and refresher modules
But here’s the good news: platforms like ComplyJet include built-in training programs as part of the subscription. That means no extra cost, no separate vendor contracts—just plug and play.
🖼️ Visual idea: Screenshot of a training dashboard or a "completed training" compliance checklist.
It’s a small investment wit
6. Legal & Policy Work
Last but not least—the paperwork.
To meet SOC 2 requirements, you’ll need to put proper legal and policy foundations in place. That includes:
- Updated contracts and Data Processing Agreements (DPAs)
- Written security, privacy, and incident response policies
If you're starting from scratch, this legal and documentation work can easily run up to $10,000—especially if you’re using external counsel.
But here’s a smart shortcut: platforms like ComplyJet use AI to auto-generate and tailor these policies to your business in minutes. That means you skip the legal back-and-forth and get audit-ready documents without burning your budget.
🖼️ Suggested visual: Policy generator UI showing "Security Policy – 100% Complete".
This isn’t the most glamorous part of compliance—but it’s non-negotiable, and thankfully, it no longer has to be painful (or expensive).
Variables That Swing Your Budget (+/‑ 40%)
Here’s the wild part: two companies can look nearly identical on paper—but one spends twice as much on SOC 2. Why? Because the devil’s in the details.
These hidden variables can tilt your budget way up or down:
1. Number of Trust Service Criteria (TSCs)
Sticking to just Security? Nice—you’re in budget-friendly territory.
But the moment you add Availability, Confidentiality, Processing Integrity, or Privacy, things get heavier. More criteria = more controls to prove, more work for the auditor, and 20–30% higher audit costs.
🖼️ Consider a pie chart visual: “Security Only” vs “3+ TSCs” = % cost increase.
2. System Complexity & Microservices
Got a simple monolith with one dev team? You’ll fly through.
But if you’re rocking microservices, multi-cloud, or highly distributed systems, your audit just got more complex. More components = more control checks = higher SOC 2 audit cost.
3. Auditor Type
Where your auditor is based—and how they're structured—can massively impact your SOC 2 audit cost.
A US-registered CPA firm with a full US-based team might quote $15k or more for the same audit that another US-registered firm (but with operations based in India or Eastern Europe) can deliver for half the price.
In fact, some hybrid firms—US-licensed but India-operated—offer SOC 2 audits starting as low as $2,000, especially when bundled with a compliance platform.
🖼️ Suggested visual: Map or pricing comparison between US-only vs hybrid global CPA firms.
Same license, same quality, different timezone—and way better pricing.
4. Readiness Maturity
Here’s the truth: how “audit-ready” you are on day one makes a huge difference.
If you're just getting started—no formal policies, no structured access controls, no centralized logging—get ready to spend more on tools, consultants, and remediation work.
But if you've already got the basics in place (think: MFA, asset inventory, vendor reviews, and clear policies), you’re way ahead. You’ll fly through readiness and keep costs low.
🖼️ Ideal visual: Side-by-side checklist graphic—“Low Readiness = High Cost” vs “High Readiness = Low Cost”
Investing in readiness upfront can cut audit time—and your total SOC 2 certification cost—significantly.
Ongoing & Renewal Costs
Getting SOC 2 certified isn’t a one-and-done deal. If you want to keep the badge, you’ll need to budget for annual upkeep. Here's what to expect:
Annual Recertification
Each year, you’ll need to renew your audit to prove continued compliance.
Here’s what that looks like:
- Type 1 re-audit: $15k–$25k
- Type 2 re-audit: $20k–$40k
Smaller teams might get closer to the low end. Bigger orgs? You’ll be at the top of that range.
🖼️ Ideal visual here: Yearly calendar graphic with re-audit timelines marked.
Continuous Monitoring
SOC 2 is all about ongoing trust—not just passing once and forgetting it.
To stay compliant:
- Renew your compliance platform subscription
- Regularly update your risk register, vendor reviews, and internal policies
- Monitor control performance continuously to avoid surprises during re-audit
Even if your audit’s annual, your compliance work is monthly (or even weekly). This is where automation pays for itself—big time.
How Automation Slashes SOC 2 Cost (50-70 %)
Here’s the secret sauce: automation isn't just about saving time—it can seriously cut your SOC 2 compliance cost.
Let’s break it down:
1. Evidence Collection APIs vs Manual Screenshots
Instead of chasing screenshots and spreadsheets, automation tools hook directly into your systems.
They automatically:
- Pull evidence (like access logs, MFA enforcement, asset inventory)
- Organize it exactly the way auditors want
Result? Fewer hours from your team and fewer billable hours from your auditor.
🖼️ Consider a visual of an API-integrated evidence dashboard pulling data live.
2. Real-Time Control Drift Alerts
With manual processes, you usually find issues after the audit starts (which = expensive rework).
Automation tools monitor your environment 24/7 and alert you the moment a control starts slipping. Fix it fast, stay compliant, and avoid that panic-fueled remediation bill.
3. Bundled Services: Risk, Policies & Auditor Access
Platforms like ComplyJet go way beyond just dashboards.
They often include:
- Built-in risk assessments
- Ready-to-use, audit-friendly policy templates
- Access to a vetted auditor marketplace
This bundle can save you thousands by replacing expensive consultants, legal fees, and separate vendor contracts—drastically lowering your overall SOC 2 certification cost.
🖼️ Visual idea: All-in-one platform graphic showing “Risk ➜ Policies ➜ Audit” in one flow.
It’s plug-and-play compliance, minus the chaos.
Five Proven Ways to Cut Your SOC 2 Compliance Cost
Want to keep your SOC 2 budget lean without cutting corners? These strategies work, even for first-timers.
1. Scope Tightly
Start with just Security and maybe Availability. Skip the extras (like Privacy or Processing Integrity) unless your customers demand them.
Fewer Trust Service Criteria = fewer controls, fewer headaches, and a smaller SOC 2 audit cost.
2. Negotiate Bundled Auditor + Platform Packages
Some automation vendors have built-in auditor partnerships. If you bundle both, you often save 10–25% versus buying separately.
Always ask for a package deal. It’s common—and it works.
3. Share Controls with ISO 27001/HIPAA
Already chasing ISO 27001 or HIPAA? Great news: many controls overlap.
Use that to your advantage. Reuse documentation, evidence, and training programs to amortize effort across frameworks.
🖼️ Ideal visual here: Venn diagram showing overlapping controls between SOC 2, ISO 27001, and HIPAA.
4. Use an External vCISO Instead of a Full-Time Hire
A full-time CISO can cost $150k+. But a fractional or virtual CISO (vCISO) can guide your SOC 2 process for a fraction of that—especially during readiness and early audits.
Get senior-level expertise without blowing your headcount.
5. Schedule Audits in Q4
Here’s a sneaky tip: auditors are often less busy in Q4. That means:
- Faster response times
- Easier scheduling
- Potentially lower rates
Time your audit right and you might score better pricing and faster turnaround
Cost vs ROI: When SOC 2 Pays for Itself
Yes, SOC 2 compliance can be a serious investment—but when done right, it quickly turns into a growth engine.
Here’s how it pays off:
🔹 Faster sales cycles: Having your SOC 2 report ready can shave up to 30% off procurement timelines. That means less paperwork, fewer security questionnaires, and faster closed deals.
🔹 Higher win rates: In competitive RFPs, SOC 2 isn’t just a checkbox—it’s a trust signal. When buyers are choosing between you and a competitor without a report, you’re already ahead.
In industries like fintech, healthtech, and B2B SaaS, a clean SOC 2 report often becomes the deciding factor. And that means more logos on your site, faster revenue, and better partnerships.
🖼️ Suggested visual: ROI flow diagram—Compliance ➜ Trust ➜ Sales Acceleration ➜ Revenue
FAQ—Quick Answers on SOC 2 Pricing
Let’s clear up the most common SOC 2 cost questions—fast.
💬 What’s cheaper: Type 1 then Type 2, or straight to Type 2?
Going straight to Type 2 usually costs less overall. Doing Type 1 first means two audits, two rounds of prep, and often duplicate effort.
But if you’re early-stage and need a report fast (e.g. for a customer deal), Type 1 can be a good stepping stone.
💬 Do I need a pen-test every year?
Not required by SOC 2, but auditors highly recommend it—especially for Type 2. And most enterprise customers expect it.
Budget around $5k–$15k per year depending on scope.
💬 How far ahead should I book an auditor?
Book 2–3 months in advance, minimum. Top-tier firms can have waitlists, especially in busy seasons (Q1 and Q3).
If you’re working with a compliance platform, they can often fast-track you through their auditor network.
💬 Can a startup under 25 people spend < $20k for SOC 2 ?
Yes—if you keep the scope tight, use automation, and already follow basic security best practices.
Type 1 + automation + existing controls = a leaner path to certification.
🖼️ Consider adding a visual checklist: “SOC 2 under $20k—What You’ll Need”
Conclusion
Here’s the truth: budgeting for your SOC 2 compliance cost in 2025 isn’t just about cutting a check. It’s about planning across your team, your tools, your timelines—and yes, your culture.
The good news? Now you’ve got the full picture.
Use this guide to:
- Break down every cost component with zero surprises
- Pick the right audit scope for your stage and goals
- See exactly where automation can save you serious time and money
SOC 2 doesn’t have to be overwhelming—or overpriced. Plan smart, act early, and let automation do the heavy lifting.
