How much does mailbox installation cost in the US?

Wondering how much does it cost to install a mailbox? It has probably been on your mind since you started considering putting up a holder outside your home for your snail mail and special deliveries.

This guide—signed, sealed, and delivered—outlines the factors that affect mailbox installation costs and ways to keep expenses to a minimum.

What are the average costs of mailbox installation in the US?

Two black mailboxes installed on a shared post, framed by lush greenery (Source: iStock)

Is there a difference between the cost of mailbox installation in Phoenix vs. Philadelphia? Find out the average cost of mailbox installation in some of the major cities in the US below:

What factors affect the costs of mailbox installation?

How much does it cost to replace a mailbox? Each section below discusses a factor that can significantly affect your project’s total cost.

Mail delivery type & USPS rules

View from inside a mailbox as mail is being delivered to a suburban home (Source: iStock)

The rules set by the United States Postal Service (USPS) can affect mailbox replacement costs. While you may want a small receptacle because it is cheaper, there are specific guidelines regarding minimum dimensions, both for door slots or wall-mounted mailboxes and curbside ones.

There may also be additional rules if you live in a residential community. Your HOA may, for instance, order you to reposition your mail holder to a location that’s more accessible to your postman, resulting in additional costs.

Mailbox type selected

Mailbox installation prices will also be partly dependent on the type. For instance, installing a freestanding mailbox will be significantly cheaper than placing a designer version outside your home.

Post type and materials

Brown mailbox mounted on a post near shrubs and outdoor steps (Source: iStock)

If you’re aiming to install a low-cost mailbox instead of a high-end one for your mail and parcel deliveries, you can opt for a holder with a recycled or wooden post as opposed to one with a brick or masonry structure.

Installation method

The labor cost to install a mailbox is directly tied to the installation method. For this reason, the cost to install a mailbox and post set in concrete, which can be done in a few hours, is lower than the price of full masonry construction, which can take a significant amount of time to complete.

Existing mailbox removal

Side-by-side mailboxes forming a row along a residential street (Source: iStock)

The average price to install a mailbox is typically higher if there’s already an existing one on your property. The reason is that removing your old mailbox takes time and effort, which naturally results in additional fees.

Ground and site conditions

Placing a mailbox on even, easy-to-dig ground is likely to be cheaper than installing it on sloped, sandy, rocky, or clay soil. This is because the latter may require additional labor, such as using stabilization methods, digging a larger pit, or using complex equipment.

Finishing touches & add-ons

Custom mailbox featuring a unique design and visible house number (Source: iStock)

If you’re planning to install a custom mailbox, you should expect add-on fees to be included in the total cost of the service. Some upgrades you can have include a house number in your preferred font, an address plate in the shape of your choice, magnetic closures, newspaper hooks, rear access, and a mail slot made of premium material.

What are some ways to save on mailbox installation?

Installing a mailbox post by drilling screws into a wooden structure (Source: iStock)

Installing a new mailbox or replacing your existing one will definitely result in expenses. However, you can make use of these strategies to ensure your intended budget will be met:

• Make sure you install the receptacle in an unobstructed, safe location to avoid having to repeat the job.

• Choose a sturdy mailbox material to minimize the need for replacement.

• Recycle materials (e.g., use the still-usable post from the existing mailbox vs. a new mailbox post), if possible.

• DIY parts of the process if you are well-versed in handyman tasks. 

What should you look for in a professional mailbox installer?

Close-up of a mailbox post on a workbench before installation (Source: iStock)

Finding the right person for the job won’t be difficult if you know what you’re looking for, such as the following:

• Someone experienced and proficient in the specific type of service you need (e.g., wall-mounted mailbox replacement, pillar mailbox installation)

• Someone knowledgeable in local and USPS rules and regulations

• Someone with excellent reviews and ratings from previous customers

• Someone who offers transparent pricing and a warranty

You’ve got mail — make sure you get it with Airtasker

Mailbox installation in progress with careful measurement of the wall opening (Source: iStock)

Do you need to have a mailbox installed? Let Airtasker deliver what you need. Just follow these simple steps for a swift and successful search:

1. Sign up on the Airtasker website or app.

2. Post a task that includes the important details, such as what you need done, when you need it done, your budget, and your location.

3. Wait for Taskers to respond, and choose the one with the most suitable experience and expertise in mailbox installation services.

With Airtasker, you can say hello to a simpler way of finding a reliable mailbox installer.