The verdict in three sentences
Accessibility compliance (WCAG AA) is a legal obligation for public bodies and large enterprises, with penalties that can reach 50,000 EUR. The project breaks into an audit (2,500-6,000 EUR), remediation (5,000-20,000 EUR depending on page volume) and a published accessibility statement. The typical timeline is 6 to 12 weeks, and the conformance rate usually rises from 40-60 % to over 90 %.
The cost of compliance, line by line
Compliance is not a single flat fee: it depends on page volume, component complexity and the site's starting state.
| Line item | 2026 range (EUR) | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Initial WCAG audit | 2,500 - 6,000 | 1 - 3 weeks |
| Remediation (small site < 20 pages) | 5,000 - 9,000 | 2 - 4 weeks |
| Remediation (medium site 20-80 pages) | 9,000 - 15,000 | 4 - 8 weeks |
| Remediation (large site > 80 pages) | 15,000 - 20,000+ | 6 - 12 weeks |
| Accessibility statement | 800 - 2,000 | 1 week |
| Editorial team training | 1,500 - 3,500 | 1-2 days |
The risk of inaction is concrete: legislation provides for administrative penalties reaching 50,000 EUR, renewable, plus reputational risk and de facto exclusion of users with disabilities (roughly 15 % of the population).
WCAG criteria and conformance rate
WCAG AA covers dozens of success criteria across several principles. The audit measures a conformance rate; remediation aims to push it above 90 %.
| WCAG theme | Frequent failures | Average fix cost |
|---|---|---|
| Images (text alternatives) | Missing alt text | 400 - 1,200 EUR |
| Colour (contrast) | Ratio < 4.5:1 | 800 - 2,500 EUR |
| Keyboard navigation | Focus not visible | 1,200 - 3,500 EUR |
| Forms (labels, errors) | Unlabelled fields | 1,000 - 3,000 EUR |
| Structure (headings, landmarks) | Incorrect hierarchy | 800 - 2,500 EUR |
| Dynamic components (ARIA) | Menus, modals inaccessible | 1,500 - 5,000 EUR |
A typical site rises from 45 % conformance before intervention to 92-96 % after remediation, the threshold beyond which the accessibility statement can describe a site as compliant.
Mini case study
Nadia, digital lead at a public body in Toronto, manages a 60-page non-compliant portal (measured rate: 42 %). Quote: audit 4,500 EUR + remediation 12,000 EUR + statement 1,500 EUR + training 2,000 EUR = 20,000 EUR over 9 weeks.
Against a potential 50,000 EUR renewable penalty, the 20,000 EUR investment pays for itself in the first year. Bonus: the conformance rate climbs to 94 % and the portal becomes usable by the 15 % of users affected by a disability.
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FAQ
How much does a WCAG audit cost in 2026?
Between 2,500 and 6,000 EUR depending on the number of pages and components audited. The audit produces a criteria grid and a costed conformance rate.
What penalty applies for non-compliance?
Legislation provides for administrative penalties reaching 50,000 EUR, renewable for persistent breaches, on top of reputational risk.
How much does remediation cost?
From 5,000 EUR for a small site to 20,000 EUR and up for a large portal over 80 pages. Cost depends mainly on page volume and dynamic (ARIA) components.
What is the compliance timeline?
Budget 6 to 12 weeks depending on volume: 1-3 weeks of audit, 2-12 weeks of remediation, then publication of the accessibility statement.
Does a compliant site stay compliant?
Not without vigilance: each new page or component can introduce failures. Editorial team training (1,500-3,500 EUR) and regular checks maintain the level.
Let's scope your project. Tell us your page volume and compliance deadline, and we'll audit, cost the remediation and draft your accessibility statement. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
