SOC 2 Attestation Costs: Understanding the Factors and Pricing
Get a clear breakdown of SOC 2 attestation costs, from initial pricing to ongoing compliance. Learn what influences the cost and how to plan effectively.
Published May 25, 2025.
If you’re exploring a SOC 2 attestation report for your business, it’s important to understand what drives the price and how you can plan accordingly. Whether you’re a startup or an enterprise, the expenses can vary widely depending on your organization’s size, complexity, and readiness. Managing these costs effectively means knowing what to expect at each stage of the process.
In this blog, we will discuss the key factors influencing SOC 2 attestation costs, helping you prepare and budget smartly for your compliance journey.
» New to cybersecurity compliance? Gain expert SOC 2 auditing services for your business
What Influences the Cost of an SOC Attestation Report?
An SOC 2 attestation report isn’t a fixed-price checklist, it’s a tailored process that depends heavily on how your organization is structured and how ready you are for the audit. From the number of systems you use to the complexity of your internal controls, every detail can shift the cost.
Some companies breeze through the process with existing policies and automation tools in place, while others need to start from the ground up, adding time, effort, and expense.
Factors That Determine the Cost of an SOC 2 Attestation Report
- Type of SOC 2 report: Costs vary depending on whether you choose a Type 1 or Type 2 report. Type 1 evaluates controls at a specific point in time and generally costs less, while Type 2 examines control effectiveness over a period, making it more comprehensive and expensive.
- Size of the organization: Larger organizations typically face higher SOC 2 costs. More staff, systems, and data translate to more complex audits and extended timelines. Every additional process or tool adds to what the auditor must evaluate.
- Internal maturity: Organizations with mature internal processes aligned to SOC 2, or even ISO 27001, can reduce audit costs. Pre-existing policies, well-configured tools, and a readiness assessment help streamline the journey and minimize surprises during the audit.
- The scope of your SOC 2 report: The more Trust Services Criteria (TSC) you include—Security, Availability, Confidentiality, Processing Integrity, and Privacy—the more complex and costly the audit becomes. Each additional category requires more controls, documentation, and evidence, which increases preparation time and auditor fees.
Take Note: To reduce expenses, organizations can work with auditors to streamline the audit scope by limiting the number of systems, third parties, and service commitments included in the evaluation.
» Read more: The merits of adopting ISO 27001/SOC2
Why Choose GRSee?
We take full ownership of your SOC 2 attestation, working closely with you and the auditor to streamline the process.
SOC 2 Type I vs. Type II: Cost and Suitability Comparison
| Aspect | SOC Type I | SOC Type II |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | SOC 2 Type I is generally less costly because it requires less time and fewer resources. | SOC 2 Type II tends to be more expensive due to the longer audit period and increased testing requirements. |
| Scope | The Type I audit evaluates the design of controls at a specific point in time. | The Type II audit evaluates both the design and operational effectiveness of controls over a period of 6 to 12 months. |
| Audit Duration | The audit timeline for Type I is shorter since it focuses on a snapshot of control implementation. | The audit timeline for Type II is extended because it requires ongoing monitoring and evidence collection across several months. |
| When to Choose | Type I is financially appropriate for organizations new to SOC 2 or those needing quick proof that controls are in place. | Type II is better suited for mature organizations that want to demonstrate sustained control effectiveness and build greater trust with clients. |
» Learn more about what SOC 2 is
Automation’s Impact on SOC 2 Costs
Technology and tools such as automation platforms, monitoring solutions, and documentation templates play a crucial role in reducing SOC 2 expenses.
Compliance automation streamlines time-consuming tasks like risk assessments, control evaluations, and evidence collection, cutting down on manual effort and associated labor costs.
Real-time monitoring and alerts help you stay ahead of compliance gaps, reducing the risk of delays or costly audit findings.
Automation also brings consistency across your compliance efforts. For example:
- Cross-framework mapping: Platforms can map controls across SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, and others, eliminating duplication and saving time.
- Centralized dashboards: Keep everything audit-ready with automated evidence collection, version-controlled documentation, and real-time progress tracking.
- Standardized templates: Pre-built templates simplify policy creation, reduce documentation errors, and speed up auditor reviews.
- Continuous readiness: Tools support ongoing compliance, not just point-in-time checks, which reduces the need for last-minute scrambles before an audit.
» Do this before you outsource: Learn the key factors for hiring a risk assessment provider
SOC 2 Attestation Report: Pricing Breakdown by Business Size
The total cost for an SOC 2 attestation report can vary widely, typically ranging from $15,000 to over $200,000 in the first year. This variation depends heavily on business size, audit type, the scope of Trust Services Criteria, and the level of readiness and tooling needed.
Startups
For startups, an SOC 2 attestation report usually costs between $5,000 and $30,000 for a Type I audit, which assesses controls at a specific point in time. The bulk of these expenses go toward the CPA firm conducting the audit. Startups often manage readiness assessments internally to reduce costs. Typical investments include:
- Basic security policies and controls implementation.
- Minimal tooling and automation, often relying on manual processes.
- Foundational employee background checks and light compliance training.
Take Note: This approach helps startups achieve essential compliance without overspending, making Type I SOC 2 ideal for early-stage companies seeking initial attestation and customer trust.
» Learn more: What is good compliance—and how to get started?
Medium-Sized Businesses
Medium-sized businesses (SMBs) typically pursue SOC 2 Type II reports, with audits spanning 6 to 12 months to evaluate ongoing control effectiveness. Costs usually range from $10,000 to $40,000 and include:
- Contractor-led readiness assessments to identify gaps and streamline efforts.
- Investment in security tools such as monitoring platforms and automated evidence collection.
- Development and continual updating of comprehensive policies and procedures.
- Structured and mandatory employee training programs.
- Expanded coverage across multiple Trust Services Criteria, increasing complexity.
Take Note: As organizational size and system complexity grow, SMBs face higher demands for documentation, testing, and continuous compliance, making this investment necessary for building customer confidence and meeting contractual requirements.
Large Enterprises
Large enterprises typically spend $150,000 or more on SOC 2 Type II audits. Their audits often cover multiple Trust Services Criteria (sometimes all five), adding significant scope and complexity. Key components of these costs include:
- Extensive readiness consulting, often involving third-party experts and compliance specialists.
- Advanced penetration testing and vulnerability assessments integrated into the audit scope.
- Deployment of compliance automation tools to centralize documentation, control monitoring, and evidence collection.
- Custom security infrastructure and continuous internal auditing programs.
- Regular updates to security policies, risk management frameworks, and employee training at scale.
Take Note: These investments are critical for enterprises that must meet strict regulatory requirements and maintain trust with large, risk-sensitive clients. The scale and depth of these audits reflect the organization’s maturity and the complexity of its operations.
» Here's everything you need to know about penetration testing
Ongoing Costs for Maintaining SOC 2 Compliance
1. Security Training
Security training is a vital ongoing expense for SOC 2 compliance. Medium-sized companies generally spend between $2,000 and $8,000 per year on security awareness programs, workshops, and external trainers. Larger organizations face higher costs due to more employees and complex training needs. Ongoing training keeps staff informed about compliance policies and safe data handling.
2. Regular Security Testing
Consistent security testing, such as penetration tests, is essential to maintain SOC 2 compliance. Penetration tests usually start at around $4,000 each, with costs increasing based on the environment’s complexity and testing scope. Larger organizations might need multiple tests per year, driving up expenses. Regular testing uncovers vulnerabilities early and reduces risks of breaches or audit findings.
» Learn about the importance of penetration testing
Unexpected Expenses During the SOC 2 Journey
Legal and insurance costs
Consulting with legal experts is necessary to make sure you’re aligned with privacy and security regulations. Cybersecurity insurance is another ongoing cost that protects you if a data breach happens.
Internal staff time and third-party help
Preparing for SOC 2 takes a lot of time from your internal team and often requires outside consultants, which adds to expenses.
Fixing gaps found in readiness assessments
If issues come up during assessments, you’ll likely need to invest in security improvements, this can include upgrading IT infrastructure, buying new tools, or providing more training to employees.
Best Practices to Avoid Unnecessary SOC 2 Spending
- Plan early and be prepared: Start planning for your SOC 2 audit as early as possible to give yourself enough time for thorough preparation. The more time you invest upfront in organizing your systems, documenting your controls, and identifying any weaknesses, the less time auditors will need on-site. This reduces audit hours and overall costs. Early gap identification also means you can fix issues before the audit, avoiding surprises that could lead to costly delays or remediation.
- Engage a consultant for guidance: Hiring a consultant who specializes in SOC 2 compliance is a smart move. They can guide you through the complex requirements, making sure your systems and controls align with SOC 2 standards from the start. This expertise helps you avoid common pitfalls that might result in audit findings or rework. Although it’s an added expense, it often saves money in the long run by preventing errors and reducing the risk of expensive remediation or multiple audits.
- Use automation tools wisely: Automation platforms can significantly cut down the time and effort needed to prepare for SOC 2 audits by streamlining evidence collection, control testing, and documentation. This reduces manual tasks and lowers labor costs. However, automation tools require investment and understanding; make sure you know what the software does and how it fits your needs. Also, communicate with your cloud service providers to ensure your data remains secure and compliant throughout the automated process.
Take Control of Your SOC 2 Costs
Looking to lower your SOC 2 attestation costs? Talk to GRSee for practical strategies and expert support.
How GRSee Can Help You Manage SOC 2 Costs
At GRSee Consulting, we understand how complex and resource-intensive the SOC 2 attestation report process can be for your business. That’s why we take complete ownership of managing this journey with you, from performing detailed gap analyses and risk assessments to conducting penetration testing and implementing all auditor requirements. Our proactive approach helps reduce your organization’s internal workload and prevents costly delays or rework.
By working closely with you every step of the way, we streamline the process, improve audit readiness, and ultimately lower your SOC 2 attestation report costs. Our goal is to provide your business with a faster, more cost-effective path to achieving and maintaining SOC 2 compliance while safeguarding your reputation and customer trust.
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