A mailbox is a must-have in any property in order to receive mail securely from the United States Postal Service (USPS) or United Parcel Services (UPS).
If you need a new mailbox, you may be asking the question: “how much is a mailbox?”
Below, we look at what influences the cost of a mailbox, general costs of different types of mailboxes, and the costs of setting one up so that you can receive mail to your street or mailing address.
Choosing A Mailbox
The cost of a mailbox really depends on the size and the type of mailbox you’re looking for.
When choosing a new mailbox, you need to consider how often you get mail from the post office to your physical address, how much mail you usually receive, and the amount and size of the mail you receive (such as large packages from UPS), before choosing a size.
The design of the mailbox will need to match the aesthetic of your home and the structure of the space outside your property.
You also need to ensure that your new mailbox complies with USPS rules and regulations on height and positioning.
What Affects The Cost Of A Mailbox?
There are several factors that influence mailbox prices. They include the following
Material
The material of a mailbox will determine how durable it is, but also impacts the price of the unit.
Cheaper materials include steel and plastic. Plastic is more resistant to rust, but steel is more durable under varying weather conditions.
More expensive materials include copper, galvanized steel, and cedar wood.
Cedar wood lasts a long time, and keeps a good appearance, while also resistant to rotting. Copper is long lasting and extremely durable, does not rust, and its appearance improves with aging. Galvanized steel will also last a long time, and stay resistant to extreme weather and other external factors.
Post Type
Metal posts are sturdy, but generally the more expensive option. This will generally be made of cast aluminum, which is resistant to rust or rotting and lasts a long time. The prices range between about $39 and $219.
Wooden options can also be durable and stable at a lower price. There are pricier types like teak, but a good cedar wood is also a solid choice at half the price. A wood mailbox post can cost anywhere between $15 and $150, depending on the size and type of wood.
Accessories
Mailbox accessories include flags and house numbers. The price of these parts will differ according to material and size, but generally the sturdy metal options will come at a slightly higher price than wood or plastic alternatives.
A mailbox flag will usually be between $5 and $20, depending on the style and material, and the house numbers can range between $6 and $15 each.
How Much Does A Mailbox Cost?
Below is an outline of the average cost of residential and commercial mailboxes.
Residential Mailboxes
A typical residential mail box, designed specifically for private home use, can cost anywhere between $12 and $500 for the mailbox itself. Mailbox posts will range from $12 - $275.
These costs depend on the material, design, and where you choose to buy it from. A mailbox will often not come with a post included, so that might be an extra cost.
Commercial Mailboxes
Commercial mailboxes typically consist of many smaller boxes, all merged into one big structure. This means that users of a commercial space will have their own mailbox, but can only access it in this communal space.
This is ideal to receive packages to a business address or a private mailbox address within an apartment building. Commercial mailboxes are usually wall-mounted.
On average, a commercial mailbox can cost anywhere between $300 and $2000.
Wall-mounted Mailboxes
Wall-mounted mailboxes are handy if you do not have sufficient space between your property and the road in which to position a typical mailbox post. Attaching your mailbox to a wall saves space and keeps it sturdy and secure.
Wall-mount options can cost anywhere between $10 and $550.
How Much Does A Brick Mailbox Cost?
A brick mailbox is a sturdier option than a post if you are looking for a unit that will not easily succumb to extreme weather or other external factors.
Due to its durability, brick mailboxes cost a bit more than a standard residential mailbox. It will set you back between $600 and $1,500 on average.
Where To Buy A Mailbox
You can buy mailboxes at various outlets. From the UPS store to Amazon, there are many different options.
At MailboxEmpire, we offer the best quality mailboxes and will deliver your selected choice to your door in no time. Our range includes residential and commercial mailboxes, in a variety of designs, styles, and sizes.
Does It Cost Money To Set Up A Mailbox?
Whether you do it yourself or pay for someone else to do the installation services, most mailboxes will cost you in the setup process.
In addition to the cost of the actual mailbox and post, service fees can range between $30 and $50 dollars per hour.
If you set up one at your new address yourself, you will need to pay for the mailbox, tools, hardware, and the extra parts required such as a post, number sign/letter sign (of your real street address), concrete, etc.
If you know how to do it, installing a mailbox yourself will generally cost less. Luckily, we have a handy guide for you to follow: How To Install A Mailbox.
Conclusion
A mailbox is a key part of any home, property, or location to receive mail. Mailboxes come in a range of styles, designs, and sizes to suit any budget and taste.
Having a residential mailbox at home can be preferable to getting a PO box number, as it is more convenient. Mail and packages arrive directly to your door, rather than requiring that you visit your local post office, which can be time consuming.
While there are plenty of cheap mailboxes on the market, keep in mind that it is worth spending a few extra dollars on better quality to avoid needing to replace your mailbox every few months or years.
If you’re looking for a quality mailbox that looks great and stands the test of time, be sure to check out our selection at MailboxEmpire.
******It is always recommended to contact your local postmaster prior to installation. While most of our mailboxes are USPS-approved your local postmaster may have specific preferences in terms of mailbox types and installation location******
