SOC 2 Costs Explained: What to Expect in 2025

How Much Does a SOC 2 Audit Cost?

The cost of a SOC 2 audit typically ranges from $5,000 to $50,000, depending on the type and scope of the audit.

A SOC 2 Type I audit generally costs between $5,000 and $20,000. This version reviews the design of your controls at a single point in time. Because it’s shorter and less complex, it stays on the lower end of the pricing range.

On the other hand, a SOC 2 Type II audit typically costs between $20,000 and $50,000. This version is more thorough, reviewing how controls perform over a multi-month period, which increases the audit’s time and depth—and, in turn, the price.

These estimates reflect base audit fees. The actual cost may vary significantly based on multiple factors, including your company’s size, systems, and readiness.

Are there Hidden SOC 2 Audit Costs?

Yes, there are hidden or additional costs associated with a SOC 2 audit that go beyond the base audit fee. These expenses can add up quickly if not planned for in advance.

Readiness Assessments

Expect to pay $3,000 to $15,000 for a readiness assessment. This is a pre-audit review to identify gaps in your current SOC 2 controls and policies. It helps ensure you don’t fail the actual audit, but it’s not always included in the auditor’s base price.

Remediation and Gap Analysis

Remediation costs depend entirely on the issues uncovered during readiness or internal reviews. You may need to update security policies, deploy new technologies, or train staff. These efforts can cost anywhere from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands, depending on the fixes required.

Continuous Monitoring Tools

Security and compliance platforms like Vanta, Drata, or Secureframe often carry subscription fees ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 per year. These tools help automate evidence collection and maintain audit readiness, but are an ongoing cost that many overlook when budgeting.

Other Possible Hidden Costs

• Policy development tools or templates: If you lack internal templates, you might invest in third-party resources or consultants.
• Employee training: Staff may need security training or role-specific guidance to align with audit expectations.
• Time allocation: Internal teams may spend dozens to hundreds of hours preparing, which is a significant indirect cost if not accounted for.

While the base SOC 2 audit fee covers the actual examination, these supporting costs often represent a large part of the total investment. The final amount will vary based on your company’s readiness, infrastructure, and resources.

What Are the Main Factors That Influence SOC 2 Pricing?

Several factors influence the final price of a SOC 2 audit, even if the base cost starts within a standard range. These elements determine the scope, duration, and effort required, directly impacting what your organization will pay.

1. Type of SOC 2 Report

Choosing between Type I and Type II affects the cost significantly.
Type I is a point-in-time review and costs less. Type II spans several months, requiring more testing and documentation, which raises the price.

2. Number of Trust Services Criteria (TSCs)

Every audit must include the Security criterion.
Adding others like Availability, Confidentiality, Processing Integrity, or Privacy increases the audit’s complexity. Each added TSC expands the scope and raises the cost.

3. Organizational Size and Complexity

Larger companies or those with complex systems and multiple departments will typically pay more.
The auditor needs to review more controls, conduct more interviews, and manage a broader range of data sources.

4. Internal Readiness

The more prepared your organization is, the smoother and cheaper the process.
If your controls, documentation, and processes are already in place, auditors spend less time reviewing and flagging issues, which keeps costs down.

5. Geographic and Industry Requirements

If your operations span multiple regions or include sensitive sectors like healthcare or finance, expect higher costs.

Auditors may need to perform deeper reviews or apply specific frameworks depending on legal or industry regulations.

6. Auditor Reputation and Firm Size

Larger or well-known audit firms often charge more for their brand and process rigor.
Smaller, specialized firms may offer competitive rates but could vary in availability or experience.

Each of these factors can push the final audit cost higher or lower. Understanding them helps in budgeting accurately and avoiding unexpected charges.

Strategies to Reduce SOC 2 Audit Costs

Reducing SOC 2 audit costs is possible with the right planning and tools. While you can’t eliminate required fees, smart preparation and strategic choices can significantly lower the total expense.

Start with a Readiness Assessment

A readiness assessment helps uncover control gaps before the audit.
Fixing issues early prevents delays, reduces rework, and avoids extra rounds of auditor feedback—all of which can drive up costs.

Limit the Trust Services Criteria

Stick to only the required Security criterion unless others are contractually necessary.
Each additional TSC increases scope and cost. Focusing only on what’s essential can reduce both time and expenses.

Build Strong Internal Documentation Early

Having updated policies, access logs, training records, and change management procedures ready can save hours of back-and-forth with auditors.
This reduces audit duration and lowers billing if the firm charges by time or scope.

Choose the Right Audit Firm

Get quotes from multiple firms—especially those that specialize in startups or your industry.
Rates can vary widely. Smaller firms may offer competitive pricing with quality service, especially for straightforward audits.

Time the Audit Strategically

Align the audit window with your internal readiness and resource availability.
Rushed audits or audits during peak business periods often require extra support and lead to higher costs.

By focusing on preparation, selecting the right scope, and leveraging tools and talent effectively, organizations can manage SOC 2 costs without compromising on quality or compliance.

Why Does a CPA Firm Reduce SOC 2 Audit Costs?

Working with a qualified CPA firm like The Pun Group can significantly reduce the overall cost of a SOC 2 audit. Our expertise in compliance audits, combined with efficient planning and proven processes, helps companies avoid common delays and unexpected expenses. For organizations seeking a streamlined, cost-effective path to SOC 2 compliance, a seasoned audit partner makes a measurable difference.

Efficient Planning and Preparation

CPA firms guide your team through each audit phase with a clear, step-by-step plan.

Their expertise in organizing timelines, documentation, and responsibilities helps avoid last-minute scrambling and unnecessary billable hours.

Proactive Readiness Assessments

A qualified CPA firm often performs a pre-audit readiness check.

By identifying weak areas early, your team can fix them before the formal audit begins, which reduces costly fixes or extended testing later on.

Reduced Risk of Re-Audits

Experienced firms know exactly what evidence and controls are needed.

Their attention to detail lowers the chance of audit failures or re-audits, which can carry significant additional costs.

Access to Proven Methodologies

CPA firms rely on standardized audit frameworks and templates.
These reduce complexity, eliminate guesswork, and keep the audit focused on essential criteria—cutting down unnecessary time and expense.

Flexible Engagement Options

Many CPA firms offer tiered pricing or modular services.
This allows you to choose only the level of support you need, whether it’s full-service auditing or just reporting, aligning the cost with your company’s scope and maturity.

With a firm like The Pun Group, organizations benefit from specialized SOC 2 knowledge, consistent audit quality, and a process designed to keep compliance affordable and efficient.

How The Pun Group Helps You Control SOC 2 Audit Costs in 2025

SOC 2 compliance is essential, but the costs can quickly add up if you’re not prepared. From audit type and readiness to hidden expenses like remediation and ongoing monitoring tools, many companies underestimate what they’ll spend. The Pun Group helps you stay in control—financially and operationally—through every phase of the SOC 2 journey.

We streamline the process with step-by-step planning, perform early readiness assessments to catch problems before they grow costly, and use proven audit frameworks to keep your scope and costs in check. Our experience ensures you avoid re-audits, last-minute fixes, and unnecessary delays—all while staying compliant.

What to Do Next:

1. Assess where you stand today. Identify any control gaps or documentation weaknesses before starting the audit process.
2. Focus your scope. Limit your audit to required Trust Services Criteria and time your audit for internal readiness.
3. Talk to us. Contact The Pun Group for a clear, custom estimate and expert guidance to reduce your SOC 2 costs.

Let’s take the guesswork and stress out of SOC 2. Get in touch with The Pun Group and make your audit budget-friendly and compliant.

 

 

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