What Does SOC 2 Actually Cost?
SOC 2 costs vary dramatically depending on your approach. Here is a realistic breakdown for 2026:
| Approach | Estimated Cost | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Full DIY (internal team only) | $15,000 – $40,000 | 6 – 12 months |
| Automation platform + auditor | $7,500 – $25,000 | 2 – 4 months |
| Consultant + auditor (traditional) | $30,000 – $80,000 | 4 – 8 months |
The biggest line items are the audit itself ($10,000 – $30,000), readiness preparation ($5,000 – $20,000 if using a consultant), and ongoing evidence collection labor.
Budget Tier Recommendations
Startup budget (under $15,000): Use an automation platform to handle evidence collection and policy generation. Pair it with a smaller CPA firm for the audit. Skip the consultant entirely — the platform replaces most of what they do.
Mid-market ($15,000 – $30,000): Automation platform plus a mid-tier auditor. You can afford a short readiness assessment to catch gaps early.
Enterprise ($30,000+): If you need SOC 2 Type II across multiple products or trust service criteria, budget for a larger audit firm and potentially a GRC platform with deeper integrations.
Our Recommendation
For the cheapest path, we recommend LowerPlane — starting at $4,000/year, it automates evidence collection, generates audit-ready policies, and pre-maps your controls to SOC 2 criteria. Customers typically reduce auditor fees by up to 40% because the auditor spends less time requesting and reviewing evidence.
Where to Cut Costs
- Start with Type I. A point-in-time report costs roughly half of a Type II and proves you have controls in place.
- Automate evidence collection. Manual screenshots and spreadsheets cost engineering hours that add up fast.
- Bundle frameworks. If you also need ISO 27001, many auditors offer discounts for combined engagements.
- Use template policies. Do not pay a lawyer $300/hour for boilerplate security policies that a good platform generates for free.
Where Not to Cut Costs
- The audit firm itself. A bargain-basement auditor can deliver a report prospects do not trust. Pick a reputable, AICPA-member firm.
- Penetration testing. If your trust service criteria include availability or confidentiality, a real pen test is expected.
- Employee training. Security awareness training is a control that auditors check — skip it and you will get a finding.
Get Started
Try LowerPlane → and see how much you can save on your SOC 2 journey.