How Much Does a SOC 2 Audit Cost in 2025?

Safeguarding customer data is no more an option but a mandatory business requirement.

A SOC 2 (System and Organization Controls 2) audit demonstrates your organization’s commitment to data security, privacy, and compliance.However, for many businesses, the cost of a SOC 2 audit remains a significant consideration. In addition to understanding SOC 2 audit costs, incorporating SOC 2 penetration testing into your compliance strategy can strengthen your security posture and readiness

This blog will explore the various factors influencing SOC 2 compliance audit costs in 2025 and provide insights to help you plan effectively.

What is a SOC 2 Audit?

A SOC 2 audit evaluates an organization’s controls related to the Trust Service Criteria: security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy. It is particularly relevant for service providers that store, process, or manage customer data. SOC 2 audits are critical for building trust with clients and ensuring compliance with industry standards.

Types of SOC 2 Audit

1. Type 1 Audit : Focuses on the design of controls at a specific point in time. It verifies that the necessary controls are in place and designed effectively.
2. Type 2 Audit : Examines the operational effectiveness of controls over a period, typically six months to a year. Type 2 audits are more comprehensive and provide a deeper assurance of compliance.

Understanding the Scope of a SOC 2 Audit

The scope of a SOC 2 audit depends on factors such as:

• The Trust Service Criteria being evaluated (e.g., security, confidentiality).

• The size and complexity of your organization.

• The type and volume of data you handle.

Defining the scope is crucial as it directly impacts the audit’s duration, effort, and cost.

How SOC 2 Penetration Testing Complements Your SOC 2 Audit

To ensure a successful SOC 2 audit, businesses often go beyond basic security measures and conduct SOC 2 penetration testing. While not an explicit requirement for SOC 2 compliance, penetration testing plays a critical role in meeting the security complaince and confidentiality criteria outlined in the Trust Service Criteria (TSC).

SOC 2 penetration testing helps identify potential vulnerabilities in your systems by simulating real-world cyberattacks. By addressing these gaps early, businesses can:

• Demonstrate a proactive approach to risk management.
• Provide auditors with concrete evidence of robust security measures.
• Improve overall compliance readiness for the SOC 2 audit.

Including penetration testing in your preparation ensures that your organization not only meets SOC 2 requirements but also builds a stronger foundation for long-term security.

Factors Influencing the Typical SOC 2 Audit Cost

Several factors influence the cost of a SOC 2 audit. These include:

1. Size of the Organization: Larger organizations typically have more complex systems and controls, requiring additional audit effort. For example, a global organization operating across multiple jurisdictions will need to audit a variety of systems and ensure compliance with diverse regulatory standards. This can lead to higher costs as auditors spend more time reviewing complex infrastructures and additional control sets.

2. Scope of Audit: The number of Trust Service Criteria and the extent of the systems covered affect costs. Adding criteria like confidentiality or privacy increases the audit’s complexity. For instance, incorporating privacy criteria for GDPR compliance can require detailed data mapping and impact assessments.

3. Preparation Efforts: Organizations with well-documented processes and pre-audit assessments often face lower costs. For a large organization, this might involve months of preparation and collaboration across departments to ensure readiness.

4. Duration of the Audit: Type 2 audits, which require testing over several months, are more expensive than Type 1 audits. For example, a Type 2 audit for an enterprise might involve continuous testing and monitoring across different departments and geographical locations, adding to the time and expense.

5. Audit Firm Expertise: Reputable audit firms with experienced professionals may charge premium rates. Large organizations often prefer established firms with industry-specific expertise, which can add to the cost.

6. Technology and Automation Tools: Leveraging compliance automation tools can reduce manual effort and associated costs. For example, an enterprise using tools like Vanta or Secureframe might streamline evidence collection but still face significant subscription fees.

How Much Does a SOC 2 Audit Cost?

Type 1 SOC 2 Audit

Cost Range: $5,000 to $30,000 Type 1 audits are relatively straightforward and focus on verifying that controls are in place. The cost depends on the size and complexity of your organization.

Type 2 SOC 2 Audit

Cost Range: $20,000 to $100,000 Type 2 audits are more comprehensive, requiring evidence of control effectiveness over time. This extended scope results in higher costs.

Additional Costs to Be Considered

1. Pre-Audit Readiness Assessment: Preparing for a SOC 2 audit often involves gap analyses, risk assessments, and documentation improvements. Costs range from $5,000 to $15,000.
2. Compliance Automation Tools: Tools like Drata, SOC2, Vanta, or Secureframe can streamline compliance efforts, costing $5,000 to $20,000 annually.
3. Remediation Efforts: Fixing identified gaps or implementing new controls can add to the overall cost.
4. Recurring Costs: SOC 2 compliance isn’t a one-time expense. Annual audits and ongoing monitoring involve recurring costs.

Detailed Cost Breakdown for Various Organization Sizes

Cost Savings Tips

• Conduct internal assessments before engaging an auditor.
• Use compliance automation tools to streamline documentation.
• Limit the scope to necessary Trust Service Criteria initially.

Geographical Cost Variations

Audit costs can vary based on the location of the organization and the audit firm. For instance:

• U.S.-based firms may charge a premium compared to firms in India or Eastern Europe.
• Remote audits can sometimes reduce travel-related expenses.

With 2025 Data and Technology Trends in Mind: Additional Factors to Consider

The SOC 2 audit landscape is evolving due to advancements in technology and changing regulatory requirements. In 2025, consider the following factors:

1. Cloud-Native Environments: Organizations leveraging multi-cloud or hybrid cloud infrastructures may face increased complexity in auditing controls.
2. AI and Automation in Audit Processes: Advanced audit tools using AI can reduce manual work but may have higher initial setup costs.
3. Zero Trust Architecture: Implementing zero trust principles can enhance security but requires investment in new tools and training.
4. Increased Focus on Privacy: With growing emphasis on data privacy, organizations may need to include privacy criteria in their audits, adding to the scope and cost.

SOC 2 Audit Cost Preparation Template

Here’s a template to help you estimate and manage your SOC 2 audit costs:

FAQs on SOC 2 Audit from Our Customers

• How long does a SOC 2 audit take? A Type 1 audit typically takes 2-4 weeks, while a Type 2 audit spans 6-12 months.

• Can small businesses afford a SOC 2 audit? Yes, with careful planning and leveraging automation tools, small businesses can manage SOC 2 audit costs effectively.

• What is the difference between SOC 1 and SOC 2? SOC 1 focuses on financial reporting controls, while SOC 2 emphasizes security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy.

• Do we need both Type 1 and Type 2 audits? Many organizations start with a Type 1 audit to demonstrate initial compliance and later proceed to a Type 2 audit for comprehensive assurance.

Conclusion

SOC 2 audits are a vital component of modern business compliance, enabling organizations to build trust with their customers and stakeholders. While the costs can vary significantly based on multiple factors, careful planning, leveraging automation tools, and focusing on readiness can help manage expenses effectively. As you navigate the SOC 2 audit process in 2025, prioritize security and compliance to ensure long-term success in a dynamic digital environment.