Lease vs Buy Calculator
Compare the true cost of leasing vs buying a car. See total costs and monthly payments side by side.
Quick Take
This calculator gives you real-time estimates based on standard financial formulas. Modify any input and results update instantly — no calculate button needed.
Financial Information Only — Not Advice
This tool uses standard, publicly documented formulas to estimate outcomes. It is for educational use and is not financial, tax, or legal advice. Interest rates, fees, and tax figures change over time and are set by lenders, dealers, and government agencies — not by this site. Always confirm current rates and terms with your lender, dealer, or state agency, and consult a qualified professional before making a decision.
Primary Result
Buy - Total Cost
What This Calculator Does
Compare the true cost of leasing vs buying a car. See total costs and monthly payments side by side.
How the Calculation Works
Who Should Use This Tool
This calculator is designed for anyone looking to understand the financial implications of lease decisions. Whether you're a first-time buyer, comparing options, or planning for the future, these estimates help you make informed choices.
Important Considerations
Remember that actual terms, rates, and costs will vary by lender, your credit score, and current market conditions. These calculators provide educational estimates only and do not constitute professional financial advice. Always compare multiple offers and consult a financial professional before making decisions.
How the math works
Buy cost uses amortization on the purchase price; lease cost sums payments plus the predicted end-of-lease value gap. Residual and money factor are lessor-set; depreciation data is published by used-car research firms.
How to use this calculator
- Enter the purchase price, real APR quote, and a down payment you can make.
- Enter the lease's real capitalized cost, residual, and money factor from the offer.
- Set how long you keep the car and your expected annual miles.
- Read which path costs less over your ownership horizon.
Sources & authoritative references
The definitions, formulas, and benchmarks behind this tool are drawn from the public, primary sources listed below. We do not cite figures we cannot verify.
- Edmunds — Car Buying, Leasing & Value Guides — Edmunds
- Kelley Blue Book — Vehicle Values & Pricing — Kelley Blue Book
- iSeeCars — Used Car Depreciation Studies — iSeeCars.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to lease or buy?+
How does the comparison work?+
What are hidden lease costs?+
Benefits of leasing?+
When is buying better?+
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Related Guides
Lease vs Buy in 2026: The Honest Math Behind the Monthly Payment
Leasing wins for low-mileage, short-term drivers who want a new car every few years; buying wins past year five when you stop paying and keep the equity.
Lease vs Buy a Car in 2026: The Real Math Behind the Decision
The lease-vs-buy choice is not about which is "smarter" in the abstract — it is about matching the contract to how many miles you drive, how long you keep cars, and how much cash you want tied up. Here is the math, minus the dealer spin.
Leasing a Used Car in 2026: Rates, Restrictions, and When It Pencils Out
Used leases are real but usually pricey — higher rent charges and weaker residuals eat the depreciation savings. Certified pre-owned models lease best; older cars often do not lease at all.