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How much does a SOC 2 audit cost?

By Ben Tabas, Intrica Research · Updated

Answer

A SOC 2 auditor's fee runs about $5,000 to $25,000 for a Type 1 report and $7,000 to $50,000 for a Type 2 report in the US, according to Scrut's guide updated Aug. 5, 2026. The full first year costs more once readiness work, tools, penetration testing and staff time are added. Drata's guide, dated March 25, 2026, puts that total at $25,000 for a small startup to over $200,000 for a large enterprise.

Published ranges, by source

  • Scrut, updated Aug. 5, 2026: auditor fee about $5,000 to $25,000 for Type 1 and $7,000 to $50,000 for Type 2, US, auditor fee only. Penetration testing for two products, $10,000 to $20,000 without automation.
  • Drata, dated March 25, 2026: Type 1 audit $7,500 to $15,000 for small to midsize companies and $20,000 to $60,000 for large organizations. Type 2 audit $12,000 to $20,000 for small to midsize companies and $30,000 to $100,000 or more for large organizations.
  • Vanta, checked Oct. 28, 2026: audit fee $10,000 to $50,000, readiness assessment from about $10,000, and an all-in first SOC 2 of $10,000 to $80,000 or more.

What moves the price

  • Report type. Vanta, checked Oct. 28, 2026, says a Type 2 costs more than a Type 1 because it covers a longer period and involves more testing.
  • The audit firm. Vanta says large enterprises using a Big Four firm can pay low six figures.
  • Company size. Drata's March 2026 ranges for large organizations run two to five times its ranges for small to midsize companies.
  • Work outside the audit. Scrut's fee ranges exclude tooling, penetration testing and internal staff time, which it prices separately.

How to budget for a first SOC 2

  1. Decide whether a customer needs Type 1 now or will accept a Type 1 followed by a Type 2.
  2. Set scope to the product and systems your buyers ask about.
  3. Get at least two auditor quotes and ask whether penetration testing is included or billed separately.
  4. Add tools, readiness work and internal time to the auditor fee before you commit to a date.

Check whether AI engines can quote your security and SOC 2 page when a buyer asks if you are audited.

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Sources

  1. How much does SOC 2 compliance cost in 2026? A practitioner's breakdown · Scrut Automation, Aug. 5, 2026Supports: US auditor fee ranges for Type 1 and Type 2, and penetration testing costs.
  2. How Much Does a SOC 2 Audit Cost? · Drata, March 25, 2026Supports: Type 1 and Type 2 audit fees by company size, and the first-year total range.
  3. SOC 2 audit cost · Vanta, Oct. 28, 2026Supports: Checked Oct. 28, 2026: audit fee range, readiness cost, all-in first SOC 2 range, and Big Four pricing.

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