How Much Does a Code Audit Cost?
Code audit pricing depends on codebase size, language stack, and depth of review required. For startups and vibe-coded apps, most audits fall in a fixed-price range that is a small fraction of what a single security incident, failed enterprise deal, or data breach would cost.
Typical Code Audit Price Ranges
Small apps (under 10k lines, single service): typically $500–$1,500. Mid-size SaaS or startup (10k–50k lines, multiple services): typically $1,500–$4,000. Larger codebases or regulated industries (fintech, healthcare): typically $3,000–$8,000+. All VibeAudits engagements are fixed-price — no hourly billing, no scope creep surprises. See our pricing page for current packages.
What Drives the Cost Up
Larger codebases require more time. Multiple language stacks (e.g. Python backend + TypeScript frontend + mobile) require reviewers familiar with each. Regulated industries (fintech needing PCI DSS review, healthcare needing HIPAA gap analysis) require specialized compliance knowledge. Urgent timelines (sub-48-hour turnaround) carry a premium.
What Drives the Cost Down
Well-organized repos with clear documentation take less time to navigate. Scoped audits (e.g. authentication-only, payment logic only) cost less than full audits. Retainer relationships where we've audited you before have lower rates for subsequent reviews.
The Real Question: Cost Compared to What?
A data breach for a startup costs an average of $4.35 million (IBM, 2023). One failed enterprise deal because a security questionnaire came back red costs months of sales time. One bad Stripe webhook implementation can let users access premium features for free indefinitely. One exposed API key in a GitHub repo can drain your entire cloud budget overnight. A code audit at $1,500–$4,000 is cheap insurance against all of these.
Free Assessment First
We offer a free 60-minute assessment call where we scope the audit, identify your highest-risk areas, and give you a fixed-price quote. No commitment required. Most founders leave with actionable findings just from the call.