How to use the Car Lease Vs Buy Calculator
Compare simplified net cash costs for leasing versus purchasing a car over a fixed time horizon.
Calculation formula
Lease cost = monthly lease payments × months + upfront lease costs. Buy net cost = purchase price − expected resale value + financing costs + additional ownership costs.
Recommended steps
- Enter values using the units shown beside each field.
- Review whether the example assumptions match your situation.
- Run the calculator and compare the key metrics.
- Use the source data or official rates when precision matters.
Known limitations
Simplified cash-cost comparison. Excludes sales-tax differences, opportunity cost, insurance, mileage penalties, maintenance and loan payment timing.
Open the calculator →