Lease vs Buy Calculator
Compare the true cost of leasing against buying the same car.
Enter your values
ⓘ Live results
Results
- Cheaper option
- Leasing
- Cost to lease
- $19,200.00
- Net cost to buy
- $19,653.15
- Difference
- $453.15
Quick answer
Buying usually wins over long horizons because you keep the resale value; leasing wins when you change cars every two to three years.
How to use the Lease vs Buy Calculator
- 1Enter the vehicle price and how long you will keep it.
- 2Add the lease terms and the loan terms.
- 3Estimate resale value and compare net cost.
Worked example
Using the values the calculator loads with:
Inputs
- Vehicle price35000 $
- Comparison period36 months
- Monthly lease payment450 $
- Lease due at signing3000 $
- Loan rate if buying7 %
- Down payment if buying5000 $
- Resale value at end20000 $
Results
- Cheaper optionLeasing
- Cost to lease$19,200.00
- Net cost to buy$19,653.15
- Difference$453.15
Frequently asked questions
Why does resale value matter?
When you buy, the car is an asset you can sell; that resale value offsets the payments you made, which a lease never does.
What about mileage limits?
Leases charge roughly 15–25 cents per mile over the cap, which can add thousands and is not included here.
About this calculator
- Built and reviewed by James Whitfield · How we build and test calculators
- Report an error
Results are estimates for general information. For medical, legal, structural or financial decisions, confirm with a qualified professional.