Lease vs Buy Calculator
Should you lease or buy your next car? Enter the numbers and we’ll compare the real net cost of financing versus leasing over the same period — including the resale value you build up when you buy.
How the comparison works
Leasing cost is simple: your drive-off amount plus every monthly payment over the term. Buying is the down payment plus loan payments, minus the equity you build — the car’s estimated resale value at the end of the period, less anything you still owe. We use a typical depreciation curve (about 18% in year one, then roughly 11% a year) for the resale estimate.
When leasing makes sense
Leasing can be the better choice if you like driving a new car every 2–3 years, want lower monthly payments and predictable costs, drive average mileage, and don’t want to deal with reselling. The trade-off is you never build equity and mileage limits apply.
When buying makes sense
Buying (especially keeping the car well beyond the loan) is usually cheapest over the long run. It suits high-mileage drivers, anyone who wants no monthly payment once the loan is paid off, and people who’d rather own an asset. Read the full breakdown in our lease vs buy guide.
