Lease vs Buy Car Calculator

Compare the true cost of leasing versus buying a vehicle over time.

Vehicle Information

Lease Option

Buy Option

Average: 15-20% per year

Lease vs Buy Considerations

Lease if: You want lower monthly payments, like driving new cars every few years, drive less than 12-15K miles/year, and don't want to deal with selling a used car.

Buy if: You plan to keep the car long-term (5+ years), drive a lot of miles, want to customize your vehicle, or want to own an asset outright.

Hidden costs: Leases have mileage limits, wear-and-tear charges, and early termination fees. Buying means paying for maintenance after the warranty expires.

Long-term math: Buying is usually cheaper over 10+ years because you eventually own the car free and clear. Leasing means you're always making payments.

This calculator provides estimates for educational purposes only.