Online Tool Store
Lease vs Buy Calculator
Compare the total cost of leasing versus buying a car, factoring in down payment, monthly payments, term, and resale value. Runs entirely in your browser.
🔒 This tool runs entirely in your browser. Your files are never uploaded to a server.
Leasing
Buying
Example shown - replace with your own numbers.
Total cost of leasing
Net cost of buying
Cheaper option
How the lease vs buy calculator works
- Enter the down payment, monthly payment, and term for both leasing and buying.
- For buying, also enter the estimated resale value at the end of the term.
- The tool totals each option's cost and highlights which one is cheaper.
The formulas
lease total = down + (monthly × months) | buy net cost = down + (monthly × months) − resale value
FAQ
Why does buying subtract a resale value?
When you buy, you own the car at the end and can sell it - that resale amount offsets your total spend, which leasing never gives you back since you return the car.
Does this account for maintenance or insurance costs?
No. This compares the direct payment costs only. Leases sometimes include maintenance, and financed cars may cost more to insure - factor those into your own comparison too.
Why might leasing be attractive even if it costs more overall?
Lower monthly payments, driving a newer car more often, and not worrying about resale value are all reasons people choose to lease despite a higher total cost.
Is my resale estimate accurate?
It's only as accurate as the number you enter. Check comparable used listings for your specific vehicle and mileage to get a realistic resale estimate.
How we compare
| Feature | Online Tool Store | Dealership lease-vs-buy tool | Doing the math by hand |
|---|---|---|---|
| No sales contact required | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Includes resale value in the comparison | ✓ | Varies | ✗ |
| Instant, no arithmetic errors | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
For a quick, unbiased number before talking to a dealer, Lease vs Buy Calculator gives you a starting point.