Most buyers pay a base international stamp plus a small per-ounce increment for heavier letters. The main cost drivers are weight, letter size, and optional services such as tracking or insurance. The following figures reflect typical U.S. Postal Service pricing for standard international letters to Mexico.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard 1 oz International Letter Stamp | $1.50 | $1.60 | $1.80 | Global Forever equivalent |
| Each Additional Ounce | $0.80 | $0.80 | $1.00 | Weight-based increase |
| Tracking / Delivery Confirmation | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | Not standard on letters; optional services vary |
| Insurance for Letters | $0.00 | $0.50 | $2.00 | Typically not required for ordinary correspondence |
Typical Cost Range
For a standard 1 oz letter to Mexico, expect $1.50-$1.80 in base postage. If the letter weighs 2–3 oz, total postage rises to roughly $2.30-$3.30, depending on exact weight. Larger letters or nonstandard formats can push costs higher. Assumptions: 1–3 oz weight, standard envelope, no additional services.
Cost Breakdown
| Cost Component | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $1.50 | $1.60 | $1.80 | Base international stamp |
| Labor | $0.10 | $0.20 | $0.40 | Preparation time per letter |
| Delivery / Handling | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | Internal processing included in postage |
| Taxes & Fees | $0.00 | $0.05 | $0.10 | Minimal state/local charges (rare) |
| Contingency | $0.00 | $0.05 | $0.20 | Implied variance for weight/format |
| Total | $1.60 | $1.90 | $2.70 | Ranges cover 1–3 oz letters |
Factors That Affect Price
Weight and size are the primary price drivers, with each additional ounce increasing postage. Destination country specifics, time-in-transit expectations, and whether services like tracking are added can shift totals. Assumptions: United States origin, standard domestic processing.
Ways To Save
Keep letters light and compact to stay within the lower end of the 1 oz baseline. If tracking or insurance is unnecessary, opt for standard postage only. Weigh letters at home or at the post office to avoid overestimating costs. Assumptions: no expedited options used.
Regional Price Differences
Prices for international letters are uniform across the U.S. Postal Service network but regional variations may arise in consumer handling or access to certain services. The base international stamp price remains consistent, while weight-based increments apply nationally. Assumptions: USPS services only.
Local Market Variations
Postal options from larger suburban offices can differ in available add-ons, though the core postage for 1 oz to Mexico is standardized. In some regions, clerks can advise on the most cost-effective envelope size to avoid charges from weight or size issues. Assumptions: standard envelope used.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Basic Letter
A plain 1 oz letter, standard envelope, no extras. Price: $1.50-$1.60. Delivery time typical for international mail. Assumptions: 1 oz, no tracking.
Mid-Range Letter (2 oz)
Two-ounce letter with standard envelope. Price: $2.30-$2.60 depending on exact weight and form factor. Optional tracking not included. Assumptions: 2 oz, no extras.
Premium Letter (3 oz or nonstandard size)
Letter that weighs about 3 oz or uses a larger envelope. Price: $3.00-$3.50 with potential for additional charges if the format strays from standard letter shape. Assumptions: 3 oz, standard packaging.