The True Cost of SOC 2: Why Engineering Hours Dwarf the Audit Bill

Industry estimates of $20K–$100K for SOC 2 compliance obscure the actual cost distribution, which heavily weights engineering implementation and platform subscriptions alongside audit fees. This breakdown is critical for B2B SaaS companies evaluating compliance ROI, as hidden engineering costs typically exceed initial expectations. Understanding where compliance dollars actually go helps startups make informed decisions about timing, resource allocation, and whether vendor compliance solutions deliver real value.