How Much Does a Website Accessibility Audit Cost?

Website Accessibility Audit Costs Depend on More Than Page Count

Two organisations can request an accessibility audit and receive very different quotes, even when their websites have a similar number of pages. The difference often comes down to what needs to be tested, how the assessment is carried out, and what the organisation expects from the final report.

An automated scan, for example, can identify certain technical issues across a website. A manual audit takes a closer look at navigation, forms, interactive elements and how people use assistive technologies. These are different levels of assessment, and the costs reflect the work involved.

For organisations planning an audit, the challenge is understanding what the quoted price covers and whether it provides the level of testing they need. Below, we break down what drives audit costs, what you get at each price level, and what to check before choosing a provider.

What Determines the Cost of a Website Accessibility Audit?

The scope of an audit has a direct bearing on its cost. Website size is one consideration, but the complexity of its features and the testing requirements can be just as important.

Website Structure and Complexity

A website built around a few standard page templates may take less time to assess than one with account dashboards, multi-step forms, filters or interactive tools. The number of pages still matters, but auditors may focus on representative templates and important user journeys rather than testing every URL individually.

Complex features often require additional checks. A form, for instance, may display correctly but still cause difficulties when someone navigates it using a keyboard or relies on a screen reader. Testing these interactions takes more time than checking static page content.

Testing Methods and Standards

The type of testing included in the audit is another major factor. Automated tools can flag certain issues quickly, but they cannot reliably assess every aspect of accessibility. Manual evaluation allows specialists to examine keyboard navigation, focus order, screen reader behaviour and whether users can complete important tasks.

The required standard and reporting scope also affect the work involved. An assessment against WCAG 2.2 Level AA may include different deliverables from an engagement that requires detailed conformance documentation, evidence of failures or testing across multiple applications.

How Audit Scope Affects the Price

Website accessibility audits generally fall into three broad categories. The boundaries between them vary by provider, so the scope of work matters more than the label attached to the service.

1. Automated Accessibility Scans

Automated scans are usually the least expensive option. Some tools are available free of charge, while others require a subscription or charge according to usage. They check for technical issues that software can detect and provide results that teams can investigate.

These scans can help organisations identify common problems or check pages during development. They do not establish that a website is accessible, since issues involving context, interaction and the experience of assistive technology users may require manual evaluation.

2. Manual Accessibility Audits

A manual audit involves a specialist assessing the website against agreed accessibility criteria. Testing may cover keyboard navigation, headings, form behaviour, interactive components and screen reader compatibility.

Published estimates for small and mid-sized websites often fall between $1,000 and $8,000, although prices vary with the scope, provider and complexity of the site. These figures are indicative rather than standard rates. A quote should explain which pages and user journeys are included, the testing methods used and the level of detail provided in the report.

3. Comprehensive Accessibility Assessments

A comprehensive assessment combines automated checks with manual evaluation and assistive technology testing. It may cover multiple page templates, complex user journeys, mobile experiences and more detailed reporting requirements.

For larger websites or complex applications, costs can exceed $10,000. The final amount depends on the number of digital properties involved and the depth of the assessment. Remediation and retesting may be priced separately, so organisations should establish whether these services are included before comparing proposals.

What the Audit Fee Should Cover

The final report is an important part of the assessment. A list of accessibility failures is only useful if the development team can understand where the problems occur and what needs to change.

A detailed report should identify affected pages or components, describe the barriers found and relate them to the relevant WCAG criteria. Evidence and clear reproduction steps can help developers locate issues without repeating the entire assessment.

The agreed scope should also specify which pages, browsers and assistive technologies will be tested. Organisations should check whether the provider offers remediation guidance, a discussion of the findings and a follow-up review after corrections have been made. These deliverables can affect the price, but they also determine how useful the audit will be once the report reaches the team responsible for fixing the issues.

Comparing Quotes and Planning the Budget

A clear scope makes it easier to compare providers. Before requesting estimates, identify the main page templates, interactive features and user journeys on your website. Share any relevant compliance or reporting requirements, then ask providers to explain their testing methods and deliverables.

A lower quote may cover a small sample of pages or rely mainly on automated scans. A higher quote may include manual testing, detailed reporting and validation after fixes. Neither price tells the whole story without that context.

It is also worth keeping remediation costs separate from the audit fee. The time required to correct issues depends on their severity, number, and the way the website has been built. For more guidance, read Documenta11y’s guide to avoiding overpayment for a website accessibility audit.

Conclusion

The cost of an accessibility audit reflects the work involved, from the pages and features assessed to the depth of testing and reporting. A basic scan can provide an initial view of technical issues, while a comprehensive assessment gives organisations a closer understanding of how people experience their websites.

The most suitable provider is one that can explain exactly what the quote includes and provide findings your team can act on. Websites change as new content and features are introduced, so accessibility testing needs to continue beyond a single audit. The aim is to understand the barriers, address them and check that the corrections work as intended.