The cost of renting a PO box at the United States Postal Service (USPS) can vary depending on several factors:
Location
- Rural vs. Urban Areas: The cost will often be higher in urban or densely populated areas due to higher demand for PO boxes. Smaller towns or rural areas typically have lower rates.
- Local Pricing: Each post office may have different prices based on the area, so prices can vary within the same city or region.
Box Size
USPS offers different sizes of PO boxes, and each size comes with its own rental rate:
- Extra Small (XS): Fits 1-2 days of mail or small packages. Typically 3″ x 5.5″.
- Small (S): Fits 2-3 days of mail. Typically 5″ x 5.5″.
- Medium (M): Fits 3-5 days of mail. Typically 5″ x 11″.
- Large (L): Fits 5-7 days of mail. Typically 11″ x 11″.
- Extra Large (XL): For large or multiple packages, usually over 11″ x 11″.
Larger boxes (e.g., large or extra-large sizes) generally cost more.
Rental Period
- 1 Month: You can rent a PO box for a single month, but many customers opt for 6-month or 12-month rentals for convenience and a possible discount.
- 6 or 12 Months: Renting for longer periods often reduces the monthly cost.
Price Range (2025 estimates)
These are rough price estimates, as actual rates may vary depending on the specific location:
- Extra Small (XS): Typically $20 – $35 per month.
- Small (S): Typically $30 – $50 per month.
- Medium (M): Typically $40 – $75 per month.
- Large (L): Typically $60 – $120 per month.
- Extra Large (XL): Typically $100 – $200 per month.
- Discounts for long-term rentals: If you rent for 6 months or a year, you may receive a small discount compared to the month-to-month rate.
Additional Fees
- Key Deposit: A one-time deposit for the key, if you lose the key.
- Late Fees: If you don’t renew your box on time, you may be charged a late fee.
- Premium Location Charges: Some post offices may charge more for PO boxes located in “premium” areas of the office.
Special Services
- PMB (Private Mailbox) Services: These are additional services that can be offered by USPS or third-party providers to forward mail or provide extra security, but they generally come at an extra cost.
- 24/7 Access: Some post offices provide access to your PO box outside normal hours, typically for an additional fee.
You can always visit your local post office or check the USPS website for the exact prices in your area and the specific size and location you need.
