SOC 2 · Cost
How much does SOC 2 cost?
Most SaaS companies spend roughly $20k–$80k for a first SOC 2 Type II — the CPA audit and a penetration test are the fixed external costs; readiness tooling and internal time make up the rest.
SOC 2 cost has two fixed external pieces — the CPA firm's audit and (almost always) a penetration test — plus the readiness work to get there. A Type I report attests to your controls at a point in time and is cheaper; a Type II report observes them over a window (commonly 3–12 months) and is what most customers actually ask for.
Netallion helps you map the Trust Services Criteria to real controls and keep evidence audit-ready throughout the observation window. We are not a CPA firm and do not issue the SOC 2 report.
Typical timeline: 2–4 months of readiness, then a 3–12 month observation window for Type II before the report is issued. Type I can be completed in weeks once controls are in place.
Cost breakdown
| Line item | Typical range | Paid to |
|---|---|---|
| Readiness assessmentOr run it yourself with a kit | $5k–$15k | Consultant or tooling |
| SOC 2 Type I auditPoint-in-time | $5k–$25k | Licensed CPA firm |
| SOC 2 Type II auditOver an observation window | $12k–$50k | Licensed CPA firm |
| Penetration testAlmost always expected | $4k–$15k | Security testing firm |
| Evidence tooling / GRC platform | $0–$15k / year | Software vendor |
| Internal team time | Ongoing over the window | Internal |
Ranges are typical market estimates for small-to-mid organisations and vary with scope, headcount, existing controls, and the auditor you choose. They are not a quote. Certification and audit fees are paid to an independent accredited body — not to Netallion.
What moves the number
- Type I vs Type II, and the length of the Type II observation window.
- How many of the five Trust Services Criteria you include beyond Security (Availability, Confidentiality, Processing Integrity, Privacy).
- The size and complexity of your system boundary and number of in-scope tools.
- Whether evidence collection is automated or gathered by hand at audit time.
How readiness tooling lowers the total
- A free SOC 2 starter kit gives you the TSC control mapping, system description, and vendor assessment templates.
- The assurance pack keeps evidence organised across the whole observation window, not scrambled together at the end.
- Readiness scoring flags gaps before the audit period starts, so you don't burn observation months on avoidable findings.
Frequently asked
What's the difference between SOC 2 Type I and Type II cost?
Type I attests to your controls at a single point in time and is cheaper and faster. Type II observes those controls operating over a window (commonly 3–12 months) and costs more — but it's what most enterprise customers require.
Does Netallion perform the SOC 2 audit?
No. Only a licensed CPA firm can issue a SOC 2 report. Netallion is a readiness and assurance platform — we help you map controls and keep evidence audit-ready so the CPA's job is faster.
Do I need a penetration test for SOC 2?
It isn't strictly mandated by the standard, but most auditors and customers expect one. Budget for it — it's typically $4k–$15k and is a common line item in a first SOC 2.
How long does a SOC 2 Type II take?
Plan for 2–4 months of readiness plus a 3–12 month observation window. The window length is a choice you make with your auditor and directly affects both timeline and cost.