How Much Does PCI DSS Compliance Cost? (SAQ vs ROC, Level 1-4)

Cost Drivers

1. Validation path - SAQ self-assessment vs QSA-led ROC
2. Scope size - flat network vs segmented CDE
3. People - internal hours for evidence, interviews, and remediation
4. Testing - ASV, internal/external vulnerability scans, segmentation and application pentests
5. Tooling - SIEM and log retention, change detection, vulnerability management, GRC evidence
6. Third parties - QSA, ASV, PFI (if breach), consultants

Illustrative Ranges (Not Quotes)

• Lean SAQ merchant (narrow scope, mature outsourcing): often dominated by ASV, limited consulting, and staff time - typically lower five figures USD per year for many small card-not-present models, but confirm locally.
• Mid-market SAQ D / complex e-commerce: tooling, pentest, and remediation commonly push mid five to low six figures depending on geography and CDE size.
• Level 1 / ROC environments: QSA engagement plus enterprise tooling and remediation frequently land in six figures USD for the assessment year; large multi-national CDEs can be higher.

CyberSilo does not publish a universal price - request a scoped estimate. These ranges are planning aids, not PCI SSC or CyberSilo fixed fees.

How CyberSilo Helps

• Reduce evidence-collection hours via CSA and ThreatHawk
• Gap scan before buying QSA days you do not need
• Scope workshops that cut CDE size before assessment

Frequently Asked Questions

Is SAQ always cheaper than ROC?

Usually, but a bloated SAQ D scope can rival a well-scoped ROC program in internal cost.

Does AWS or Azure compliance cut our bill?

It can reduce assessment of the provider layer; you still pay for customer-owned controls and validation.

What is the biggest hidden cost?

Ongoing Requirement 10 and 11 operations and rework after a failed ASV or pentest - not the questionnaire itself.

Related PCI Resources

Timeline · Fines and penalties · Scope reduction · SAQ types · ROC and AOC · PCI compliance software