How Much Does an Accessibility Audit Cost in 2026? Pricing Guide
A professional accessibility audit costs between €1,500 and €20,000+ (approximately $1,600 to $21,500 USD) – depending on scope and complexity. For a typical business website with 20-50 pages, expect costs of €4,000 to €8,000[1]. This article provides a transparent overview of all cost factors and shows you what to look for when selecting an audit provider.
Pricing Overview at a Glance
- Small website (under 20 pages): €1,500 - €4,000
- Typical business website (20-50 pages): €4,000 - €8,000
- Complex web application/shop: €8,000 - €20,000+
- Per-page price: €100 - €320 (depending on complexity)
- Automated tools capture only ~30% of barriers – manual testing is essential
Detailed Cost Breakdown by Website Type
| Website Type | Page Count | Price Range | Typical Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small website | 5-20 pages | €1,500 - €4,000 | 1-2 weeks |
| Business website | 20-50 pages | €4,000 - €8,000 | 2-3 weeks |
| E-Commerce store | 50-200 pages | €8,000 - €15,000 | 3-4 weeks |
| Complex web application | 200+ pages | €15,000 - €25,000+ | 4-8 weeks |
Additional Cost Components
Beyond the core audit, additional costs often apply[2]:
| Service | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Detailed audit report | €500 - €880 |
| Re-audit after remediation | €490 - €1,500 |
| Conformance statement (VPAT/ACR) | €500 - €1,500 |
| User testing with people with disabilities | €800+ per session |
| Team training | €1,000 - €3,000 |
The 7 Factors That Influence Audit Pricing
1. Number of Pages to Audit
The most obvious factor: more pages = more effort = higher costs.
Per-page calculation:
- Simple pages (text, images): €100 - €150 per page
- Medium complexity (forms, tables): €150 - €200 per page
- Complex pages (interactive elements, dynamic content): €200 - €320 per page[3]
Tip: For large websites, audits can be based on a representative sample (e.g., 30-50 pages) to reduce costs.
2. Website Complexity
Low complexity (cheaper):
- Static information pages
- Simple blogs
- Few interactive elements
High complexity (more expensive):
- Single-Page Applications (SPAs)
- E-commerce with checkout process
- User accounts and dashboards
- Multimedia content (video, audio)
- Custom UI components
- Database-connected forms
3. Current State of Accessibility
Websites with many existing barriers require more testing effort:
| Starting Condition | Testing Effort | Cost Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Good (few barriers) | Low | Base price |
| Medium (typical) | Medium | +20-30% |
| Poor (many barriers) | High | +30-50% |
4. Testing Standard and Conformance Level
| Standard | Typical Premium |
|---|---|
| WCAG 2.1 Level AA | Base |
| WCAG 2.2 Level AA | +10% |
| EN 301 549 (for EU conformance) | +15-20% |
| WCAG 2.2 Level AAA | +30-50% |
For EAA/BFSG compliance: WCAG 2.1/2.2 Level AA is the standard you need.
5. Testing Environments
More devices and browsers = higher costs[4]:
Standard test (Desktop):
- Windows + Chrome + NVDA
- Base price
Extended (Desktop + Mobile):
- Windows + Chrome + NVDA
- macOS + Safari + VoiceOver
- iOS + Safari + VoiceOver
- +20-40% to base price
Comprehensive (Multi-browser + Multi-device):
- All common browsers
- Desktop + Tablet + Mobile
- Multiple screen readers (JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver)
- +50-80% to base price
6. Time Pressure
| Delivery Time | Premium |
|---|---|
| Standard (3-4 weeks) | No premium |
| Accelerated (2 weeks) | +20-30% |
| Express (1 week) | +50-100% |
Tip: Plan your audit in advance to avoid express surcharges.
7. Auditor Qualifications
| Auditor Qualification | Typical Price Range |
|---|---|
| Automated tool (e.g., axe, WAVE) | €0 - €200 |
| Junior auditor / Quick check | €500 - €1,500 |
| Certified WCAG expert | €3,000 - €8,000 |
| BIK BITV-Test (Germany's gold standard) | €4,000 - €20,000 |
Why Automated Tools Aren't Enough
Automated accessibility tools like axe-core or WAVE capture only about 30-40% of all barriers[5]. Critical issues like illogical focus order, misleading labels, or complex interaction patterns can only be detected through manual testing with screen readers.
What's Included in the Audit Price?
A professional accessibility audit includes the following services[6]:
1. Automated Testing
- Scan of all pages with specialized tools
- Identification of obvious errors
- Foundation for manual testing
2. Manual Testing
- Screen reader tests (NVDA, JAWS, VoiceOver)
- Keyboard navigation without mouse
- Visual inspection (contrasts, magnification)
- Code analysis (semantics, ARIA)
- Testing of dynamic content
3. Detailed Audit Report
- Executive summary for management
- List of all barriers found
- Mapping to WCAG success criteria
- Prioritization by severity
- Screenshots and code examples
- Concrete remediation recommendations
4. Debrief Session (optional)
- Explanation of results
- Answering questions
- Implementation guidance
Regional Testing Standards
Different regions have established their own official testing procedures:
Europe - BIK BITV-Test (Germany) The BIK BITV-Test is Germany's official testing procedure for digital accessibility[1]:
Advantages:
- ✅ Standardized, reproducible procedure
- ✅ Performed only by certified testers
- ✅ Double quality assurance
- ✅ Recognized by authorities and courts
- ✅ "BIK compliant" seal possible
USA - Trusted Tester For US federal agencies, the Trusted Tester program provides a standardized testing methodology based on Section 508 requirements.
International - IAAP Certification The International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP) offers globally recognized certifications like CPACC and WAS.
Audit vs. Implementation: Total Costs
The audit is just the first step. Here are typical total costs for EAA/BFSG compliance:
| Phase | Cost Factor | Typical Costs |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Audit | Testing & Report | €4,000 - €8,000 |
| 2. Remediation | Fixing barriers | €5,000 - €25,000 |
| 3. Re-audit | Verification | €1,500 - €3,000 |
| 4. Training | Team training | €1,000 - €3,000 |
| 5. Monitoring | Ongoing oversight | €1,000 - €3,000/year |
| Total | €12,500 - €42,000 |
For comparison: BFSG fines in Germany can reach up to €100,000 per violation[7]. In the US, ADA lawsuits often result in settlements of $5,000 to $150,000, plus attorney fees.
How to Find the Right Audit Provider
✅ Provider Selection Checklist
Qualifications:
- Certified (IAAP, BIK, or comparable)
- Demonstrable experience with WCAG/EN 301 549
- References from similar projects
Scope of Services:
- Manual tests included (not just automated)
- Screen reader tests with NVDA/JAWS/VoiceOver
- Audit report with concrete recommendations
- Debrief session to explain results
Transparency:
- Clear pricing structure without hidden costs
- Defined scope (which pages, which standards)
- Realistic timeline
Frequently Asked Questions About Audit Costs
Can I test with a free tool and save money?
Free tools like WAVE or axe can provide a first impression but capture only 30-40% of barriers. For EAA/ADA compliance, that's not enough – you need professional manual testing.
What does an audit cost for an online store?
E-commerce stores are more complex due to product pages, shopping cart, and checkout. Expect €8,000-€15,000 for a medium-sized store, more for complex platforms.
How often should I conduct an audit?
- Before launch of new websites or major redesigns
- Annually for ongoing websites with regular changes
- After major updates (CMS upgrade, new features)
- When complaints or regulatory inquiries arise
Are audit costs tax deductible?
Yes, costs for accessibility audits are typically deductible as business expenses. However, fines are not.
Are there grants for accessibility audits?
Some regions offer digitalization funding programs that may include accessibility. In the EU, check with your national digital accessibility agency. In the US, small businesses may qualify for tax credits under Section 44 (up to $5,000/year for accessibility expenses).
What's the difference between an audit and consulting?
- Audit: Assessment of current state with documented results
- Consulting: Guidance during implementation and strategy development
Many providers combine both services.
Conclusion: An Accessibility Audit Is an Investment
The costs for an accessibility audit may seem high at first glance. But compared to potential fines (up to €100,000 in the EU or expensive lawsuits in the US) and the costs of retroactive corrections, a proactive audit is significantly cheaper.
Our recommendation:
- Start with a quick check or free tools for a first impression
- Get quotes from 2-3 qualified providers
- Look for manual testing and detailed reports
- Budget for fixing the issues found
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