TL;DR: SOC 2 Cost Summary
- •Total SOC 2 cost: $20,000 - $150,000+ depending on approach
- •SOC 2 audit price: $15,000 - $60,000 for auditor fees alone
- •Compliance software cost: $5,000 - $40,000/year
- •Budget option: LowerPlane ($4,995) + affordable auditor ($15K) = $20K total
- •Time investment: 200-500 hours of internal effort
Understanding SOC 2 certification cost is crucial for budgeting your compliance journey. The SOC 2 price varies dramatically based on company size, complexity, and the tools you choose. This guide breaks down every component of SOC 2 compliance cost to help you plan effectively.
Whether you're a startup wondering about SOC 2 cost for the first time or an enterprise comparing SOC 2 certification price options, we'll cover all the factors that impact your total investment.
Complete SOC 2 Cost Breakdown
| Cost Category | Startup (1-50) | Mid-Size (51-200) | Enterprise (200+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| SOC 2 Type I Audit | $15,000 - $25,000 | $25,000 - $40,000 | $40,000 - $60,000 |
| SOC 2 Type II Audit | $20,000 - $35,000 | $35,000 - $50,000 | $50,000 - $80,000 |
| Compliance Software | $5,000 - $15,000/yr | $15,000 - $30,000/yr | $30,000 - $50,000/yr |
| Penetration Testing | $5,000 - $15,000 | $15,000 - $30,000 | $30,000 - $75,000 |
| Security Tools | $2,000 - $10,000/yr | $10,000 - $25,000/yr | $25,000 - $100,000/yr |
| Consultant/Advisor | $0 - $15,000 | $10,000 - $30,000 | $25,000 - $75,000 |
| TOTAL YEAR 1 | $47,000 - $95,000 | $110,000 - $205,000 | $200,000 - $440,000 |
💡 Budget Option with LowerPlane
With LowerPlane at $4,995/year (includes dedicated advisor), a startup can achieve SOC 2 compliance for under $25,000 total - saving 50%+ compared to traditional approaches.
SOC 2 Audit Cost: What Auditors Charge
The SOC 2 audit price is typically the largest single expense. Here's what affects SOC 2 certification price from auditors:
Type I vs Type II Cost
- •Type I: $15,000 - $60,000 (point-in-time)
- •Type II: $20,000 - $80,000 (6-12 month period)
- •Type II costs 25-40% more due to longer observation period
Factors Affecting Audit Cost
- •Number of Trust Service Criteria selected
- •Company size and employee count
- •Technical complexity of infrastructure
- •Number of in-scope systems and locations
Auditor Price Comparison
| Auditor Type | Type I Price | Type II Price |
|---|---|---|
| Big 4 (Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG) | $50,000 - $100,000 | $75,000 - $150,000+ |
| Mid-tier (BDO, Grant Thornton, RSM) | $30,000 - $60,000 | $40,000 - $80,000 |
| Boutique/Specialized | $15,000 - $35,000 | $20,000 - $45,000 |
| LowerPlane Partner Network | $12,000 - $25,000 | $15,000 - $35,000 |
SOC 2 Compliance Software Cost
The right compliance platform can dramatically reduce your total SOC 2 cost by automating evidence collection, policy management, and audit preparation.
| Platform | Annual Cost | Includes Advisor? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| LowerPlane | $4,995 | Yes (Included) | Startups, budget-conscious |
| Sprinto | $15,000+ | Extra cost | SMBs |
| Secureframe | $20,000+ | Extra cost | Growth companies |
| Vanta | $28,000+ | $10K+ extra | Enterprise |
| Drata | $35,000+ | $8K+ extra | Mid-market |
Hidden SOC 2 Costs to Budget For
Often Overlooked
- 💸Penetration testing ($5K-$30K)
- 💸Security awareness training ($2K-$10K)
- 💸Background checks ($50-$200/employee)
- 💸Legal review of policies ($2K-$10K)
- 💸MDM software ($3-$10/device/month)
Internal Time Investment
- ⏰Project lead: 200-400 hours
- ⏰Engineering team: 100-200 hours
- ⏰HR/Admin: 40-80 hours
- ⏰Executive time: 20-40 hours
- ⏰At $100/hr = $36,000-$72,000 in labor
How to Reduce Your SOC 2 Certification Cost
1. Choose Cost-Effective Compliance Software
Platforms like LowerPlane at $4,995/year can save you $20,000+ compared to enterprise options while still providing automation, policy templates, and dedicated advisor support.
2. Start with Type I, Then Type II
A Type I audit costs less and proves compliance faster. Use it to close deals while preparing for Type II over the following months.
3. Select Only Necessary Trust Service Criteria
Security is required; others are optional. Only add Availability, Confidentiality, Processing Integrity, or Privacy if customers specifically require them.
4. Use a Boutique Auditor
Specialized SOC 2 auditors often charge 50-70% less than Big 4 firms while providing faster, more personalized service.
5. Get a Platform with Included Advisor
A dedicated compliance advisor (worth $8-15K/year elsewhere) is included free with LowerPlane, eliminating a major cost category.
Get SOC 2 Certified for Under $25,000
LowerPlane helps startups achieve SOC 2 compliance at the lowest cost in the industry. Get a free cost estimate and readiness assessment.
SOC 2 ROI: Is the Cost Worth It?
Average deal size increase after SOC 2
Faster enterprise sales cycles
ROI within first year
Most companies report that SOC 2 certification pays for itself within months through larger deals, faster sales cycles, and reduced security questionnaire burden.
SOC 2 Cost FAQ
How much does SOC 2 certification cost for a startup?
A startup can achieve SOC 2 certification for $20,000-$50,000 total, including audit fees ($15-25K), compliance software ($5-15K), and other costs. Using LowerPlane ($4,995) with an affordable auditor can bring the total to under $25,000.
What is the cheapest way to get SOC 2 certified?
The cheapest path is: 1) Use an affordable compliance platform like LowerPlane ($4,995), 2) Start with Type I audit, 3) Use a boutique auditor ($15-20K), 4) Only include required Trust Service Criteria (Security). Total: ~$20-25K.
How much does SOC 2 Type II cost vs Type I?
SOC 2 Type II typically costs 25-40% more than Type I because it covers a longer observation period (6-12 months vs point-in-time). Expect Type I at $15-35K and Type II at $20-50K for auditor fees.
What are the ongoing SOC 2 compliance costs?
Annual SOC 2 costs include: compliance software ($5-40K), annual Type II audit ($20-50K), pen testing ($5-15K), and security tool subscriptions ($5-25K). Total ongoing cost: $35-130K/year depending on company size.
Is SOC 2 compliance software worth the cost?
Yes, compliance software typically saves 200-400 hours of manual work, reduces audit prep time by 50%, and decreases audit findings. The time savings alone (at $100/hr) justify the software cost of $5-30K.
Related Articles
Get SOC 2 Cost-Saving Tips
Join 5,000+ compliance professionals getting budget optimization tips, platform comparisons, and expert insights weekly.