Lease vs Buy Car Calculator
Compare the estimated cost of leasing a car with buying one over the same period.
- Last reviewed
- July 8, 2026
- Cost
- Free to use
- Data
- Runs in your browser
Total Lease Cost
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Buy Monthly Payment
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Buy Net Cost Over Lease Term
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Buy Cost Minus Lease Cost
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Methodology
How this calculator handles inputs
This calculator uses the values you enter above and applies the formula explained in the guide below. Results update in the browser and are intended for quick planning, comparison, and sanity-checking.
- Use consistent periods, currencies, and units across inputs.
- Review any assumptions before using the result in a decision.
- Recalculate when rates, prices, tax rules, or business terms change.
Guide
How it works
Use this calculator to compare the cost of leasing a car with buying one over the same period.
What this calculator does
The lease vs buy car calculator compares total lease cost with estimated net buy cost after loan payments, down payment, and resale value.
Formula
Lease cost = monthly lease payment x lease term + due at signing
Buy net cost = loan payments during comparison period + down payment - resale value
How to use it
Enter lease payment and due-at-signing amounts, then enter purchase price, down payment, loan rate, loan term, and expected resale value.
Common mistakes
- ignoring resale value
- comparing different time periods
- forgetting lease mileage limits
FAQs
Does buying always cost less?
Not always. It depends on resale value, financing terms, lease incentives, and how long you keep the vehicle.
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