Quick Answer: A SOC 2 Type I audit in the US typically costs $25,000–$70,000 total (readiness consulting + CPA audit fees) for a startup. SOC 2 Type II costs $40,000–$115,000 for the same profile. Using a GRC automation platform (Drata, Vanta) and starting with Security criteria only reduces total investment significantly.
How Much Does SOC 2 Cost in 2026?
The total cost of a SOC 2 audit in the US varies significantly based on the report type (Type I or Type II), company size, number of trust services criteria in scope, and whether you engage a readiness consultant before the CPA audit. Here’s what you should expect to budget in 2026.
SOC 2 Cost Components
1. Readiness Consulting
Before the formal CPA audit, most organisations engage a security consultant to assess gaps, implement missing controls, and build the evidence package. This is often the largest cost driver.
- Startup / Series A (1–50 staff): $15,000–$40,000
- Mid-size SaaS (50–200 staff): $40,000–$100,000
- Enterprise (200+ staff): $100,000–$250,000+
2. CPA Audit Fees
SOC 2 audits must be conducted by a licensed CPA firm. Audit fees vary by firm reputation, report complexity, and observation period length.
- SOC 2 Type I (point-in-time): $10,000–$30,000
- SOC 2 Type II (6–12 month observation): $25,000–$75,000
Boutique CPA firms specialising in tech clients can be more cost-effective than Big Four firms for startups, while large enterprises may prefer the brand recognition of a Deloitte or KPMG report.
3. GRC Platform Subscription
Many companies use a GRC automation platform to reduce manual evidence collection effort:
- Drata: $10,000–$30,000/year
- Vanta: $8,000–$25,000/year
- Secureframe: $12,000–$35,000/year
These platforms automate evidence collection from AWS, GitHub, Okta, and other integrations — significantly reducing audit preparation time.
Total SOC 2 Investment — 2026 Summary
| Company Size | Type I (Total) | Type II (Total) |
|---|---|---|
| Startup (1–50 staff) | $25k–$70k | $40k–$115k |
| Mid-size (50–200 staff) | $50k–$130k | $65k–$175k |
| Enterprise (200+ staff) | $110k–$280k+ | $125k–$325k+ |
Ways to Reduce SOC 2 Audit Cost
- Start with Type I — cheaper and faster, and many prospects accept it while you build toward Type II
- Use a GRC platform to automate evidence collection (reduces audit billable hours)
- Scope to Security criteria only for the first audit
- Run an internal readiness assessment before engaging the CPA auditor
- Consider a combined ISO 27001 + SOC 2 engagement for 25–40% cost savings on overlapping work
eShield Consulting provides SOC 2 readiness services that dramatically reduce your CPA audit time and cost. Explore our SOC 2 Audit service or request a scoping call for a fixed-price proposal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a cheap way to get SOC 2 certified?
The most cost-effective path is Type I with Security criteria only, using a boutique CPA firm and a GRC automation platform. With strong existing controls and a focused scope, total investment can be under $35,000 for a startup. However, cutting corners on readiness typically results in higher CPA audit costs due to more audit queries and potential re-work.
Do investors require SOC 2?
Enterprise-focused SaaS VCs and growth equity firms increasingly treat SOC 2 as a due diligence requirement. Series B+ companies selling to enterprise customers are expected to have SOC 2 Type II in place.
Contact eShield for a fixed-price SOC 2 readiness proposal.
