How much does SOC 2 cost? Build a complete budget
Plan the software, independent audit, penetration testing, and internal work behind SOC 2 without relying on a misleading single number.
Key takeaways
- SOC 2 software and the independent CPA audit are separate purchases.
- Third-party fees depend on scope, company complexity, and provider.
- The readiness assessment and initial vCISO.ai roadmap are free; paid plans start at $249 monthly or $2,490 annually.
A useful SOC 2 budget separates four categories: the readiness platform, the independent CPA firm, security testing, and your team’s time. A single all-in number hides the decisions that actually change cost.
Readiness platform
The platform organizes controls, policies, evidence, findings, and remediation. Compare vendors on the work included, limits, renewal terms, and whether SOC 2 and ISO 27001 require separate add-ons.
vCISO.ai publishes its current prices on the pricing page. AI vCISO is $249 monthly or $2,490 annually. AI vCISO + Advisor is $999 monthly or $9,990 annually. Managed vCISO is custom scoped. These prices do not include an independent audit.
Independent CPA firm
A licensed independent CPA firm issues the SOC 2 report. The firm’s proposal depends on scope, report type, company complexity, observation period, readiness, and the evidence package it expects to test.
Request current proposals from more than one qualified firm. Confirm what is included, how exceptions are handled, and whether additional testing or report revisions create separate fees.
Penetration testing
A customer or auditor may request recent independent security testing based on the company’s scope and risk. Testing depth, application complexity, retesting, and reporting requirements all affect the quote.
Human-led penetration testing is available through CyberSyndicate. It remains a separate professional service and is not implied by an AI vCISO subscription unless an included scope is shown before purchase.
Internal time
Your team still provides company context, approves policies, implements technical changes, performs recurring activities, accepts evidence, and works with the auditor. The platform should reduce coordination and drafting work without pretending those responsibilities disappear.
The best planning question is not an unsupported industry average. Ask which internal owners are needed, what changes are likely, and how much review time the selected scope requires.
A practical budget worksheet
| Budget category | What to request |
|---|---|
| vCISO.ai | Current monthly or annual plan and any usage needs |
| CPA firm | Scope-specific Type I or Type II proposal |
| Penetration testing | Scope, depth, retest, and delivery quote |
| Internal work | Named owners, expected changes, review capacity |
Keep each quote separate. This makes renewal decisions clearer and protects the independence of the CPA firm.
How to avoid unnecessary cost
- Complete the free readiness assessment and initial roadmap before buying an audit.
- Choose Type I or Type II based on a real buyer requirement and the operating evidence already available.
- Preserve controls and reviewed evidence so ISO 27001 can reuse relevant work.
- Put renewal and scope assumptions in writing with every provider.
SOC 2 is a real investment, but the budget should be understandable. Separate the categories, request scope-specific quotes, and spend internal time on the changes that reduce risk.