Mailing a Letter from California to Alaska: Current USPS Rates
Sending mail from California to Alaska? Despite the distance, it's domestic First-Class Mail—same rates as anywhere in the U.S. Here are current USPS prices (effective January 2024).
First-Class Mail Letters (Retail Rates)
| Weight |
Price |
| 1 oz (standard letter) |
$0.68 |
| 2 oz |
$0.92 |
| 3 oz |
$1.16 |
| 3.5 oz (max for letter rate) |
$1.40 |
First-Class Mail Flats/Large Envelopes
| Weight |
Price |
| 1 oz |
$1.39 |
| 2 oz |
$1.63 |
| 3 oz |
$1.87 |
| 4 oz |
$2.11 |
| 5 oz |
$2.35 |
| 6 oz |
$2.59 |
| 7 oz |
$2.83 |
| 8 oz |
$3.07 |
| 9 oz |
$3.31 |
| 10 oz |
$3.55 |
| 11 oz |
$3.79 |
| 12 oz |
$4.03 |
| 13 oz (max for flats) |
$4.27 |
Key Points
- No surcharge for Alaska — domestic rates apply to all 50 states
- Forever Stamps: One $0.68 Forever stamp covers 1 oz anywhere in US
- Non-machinable surcharge: +$0.46 (rigid, square, clasps, buttons)
- Delivery time: 3-5 business days typical CA → AK
- Tracking: Not included with stamps; add USPS Tracking ($1.95+) or use Priority Mail
Faster Options
- Priority Mail: 2-3 days, starts ~$9.65 (flat rate envelope), includes tracking/insurance
- Priority Mail Express: 1-2 days guaranteed, starts ~$30.45
Pro Tips
- Weigh at home with kitchen scale to avoid counter surprises
- Use Click-N-Ship for Priority/Express labels (discounted commercial pricing)
- For valuable items: insure and track
- Address clearly: include ZIP+4 for faster sorting
Whether it's Anchorage, Fairbanks, or a remote village, the stamp price is the same. The Last Frontier is just a Forever stamp away.
Wanderlust World