PO Box Costs in 2025: USPS vs UPS vs Virtual Mailboxes
Planning a mailbox on a budget? This research guide outlines typical pricing ranges and the fee factors that move the needle—so you can estimate costs before checking exact local rates.
Updated •8 min read
USPS PO Box — Typical Costs & Factors
USPS is often the most affordable option. Actual pricing varies by size tier and location group.
| Box Size | Typical Dimensions | Common Monthly Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | ~3″ × 5.5″ | Often low‑to‑mid teens in many areas | Premium cities can be higher |
| Medium | ~5.5″ × 12″ | Varies by location group | Check 3‑ or 6‑month prepay discounts |
| Large | ~12″ × 12″ | Higher than small/med; city‑dependent | Package lockers may help for overflow |
| Extra Large | ~12″ × 24″ | Highest tier; wide range | Limited availability in some offices |
Heads‑up: 24/7 lobby access, Street Addressing, and fee groups vary by facility. Confirm exact rates and features at your local Post Office.
✅ Pros
- • Often the lowest recurring cost
- • Nationwide availability
- • Secure delivery; some locations offer 24/7 lobby access
❌ Cons
- • Usually USPS‑only package acceptance
- • PO Box number (not a typical street address)
- • No built‑in scanning/forwarding services
UPS Store Mailboxes — Typical Costs & Features
Street address, multi‑carrier acceptance, and extended hours—fees vary by store and box size.
| Box Size | Common Monthly Range | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Small | Varies by location | Letters, small parcels; notifications |
| Medium | Varies by location | Most packages; extended hours |
| Large | Varies by location | Business mail; multi‑carrier acceptance |
Ask your local store for current rates and any setup/key fees.
✅ Pros
- • Street address usable with major carriers
- • Package notifications; extended pickup hours
- • In‑person support and ancillary services
❌ Cons
- • Generally higher monthly cost than USPS
- • Additional handling/storage fees may apply
- • Requires in‑person pickup
Virtual Mailboxes — Typical Costs & What Affects Them
Digital mail management with scanning and forwarding. Pricing depends on scan limits, address location, recipients, and shipping fees.
| Tier | Common Monthly Range | Typical Inclusions |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | Entry tiers often in low‑teens in some markets | Envelope scans, limited content scans |
| Standard | Varies widely by address | More scans, package handling |
| Premium | Higher due to location/volume | Multiple recipients/addresses, integrations |
Confirm current rates, scan overages, storage, and forwarding fees with specific providers.
✅ Pros
- • Access mail from anywhere; searchable PDFs
- • Real street addresses available (CMRA)
- • Consolidation and forwarding options
❌ Cons
- • Add‑on fees (overages, forwarding, storage)
- • Setup/verification steps (e.g., USPS Form 1583)
- • Scanning quality/latency varies by site
FAQ
- How much does a USPS PO Box typically cost each month?
- It depends on size and location. Many small boxes price in the low‑to‑mid teens monthly in typical markets, while premium areas and larger sizes cost more. Check local rates for accuracy.
- Is a UPS Store mailbox better than a USPS PO Box?
- Different strengths: UPS offers a street address and multi‑carrier acceptance (usually at a higher cost); USPS tends to be cheaper with USPS‑only package handling at many offices.
- What is the cheapest alternative?
- Entry‑tier virtual mailboxes in some markets start around the low‑teens monthly and include scanning. Your total depends on scan limits and forwarding needs—verify current pricing with providers.
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