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Lease vs Buy Calculator

Compare leasing versus buying a car over the lease term.

Buying a carStep 4 of 5

Best for: Deciding how to acquire your next car and wanting an apples-to-apples cost comparison.

Complete guide
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How it's calculated & sources
The Lease vs Buy Calculator uses the standard formula for this calculation. It runs entirely in your browser, so your inputs are never uploaded. Figures are educational estimates, not professional advice — verify important decisions with a qualified expert. Last reviewed June 2026.

Free & no sign-up · runs entirely in your browser. Results are estimates for general information, not professional advice — verify important decisions with a qualified expert. Last reviewed June 2026.

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Complete guide

Quick answers

Short, sourced answers to the questions people (and AI assistants) ask most.

What is Lease vs Buy?
A lease-versus-buy calculator compares the total cost of leasing a car against financing and owning it over the same period. It is an informational comparison, not financial advice.
Why does Lease vs Buy matter?
The lower total cost is only part of the picture: leasing means lower payments and a newer car but no asset; buying builds equity and has no mileage limits. Choose based on how long you keep cars and how much you drive.
How is Lease vs Buy calculated?
Leasing totals the monthly payments plus fees, with nothing owned at the end. Buying totals the down payment plus loan payments, minus the car's resale value at the end (the equity you keep). Comparing both over the same horizon shows the true cost difference.
What are common lease vs buy mistakes?
Ignoring the car's resale value, which is the main payoff of buying.
When should you use the Lease vs Buy Calculator?
Deciding how to acquire your next car and wanting an apples-to-apples cost comparison.

What is the Lease vs Buy Calculator?

A lease-versus-buy calculator compares the total cost of leasing a car against financing and owning it over the same period. It is an informational comparison, not financial advice.

How the Lease vs Buy Calculator works

Leasing totals the monthly payments plus fees, with nothing owned at the end. Buying totals the down payment plus loan payments, minus the car's resale value at the end (the equity you keep). Comparing both over the same horizon shows the true cost difference.

Lease vs buy — what each optimises (decision guide)

Monthly costLowerHigher
Long-run costHigher (perpetual payments)Lower (own the asset)
Mileage / useCappedUnlimited
Equity at endNoneResale value
Best forLatest model every few yearsKeeping it 6+ years

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Ignoring the car's resale value, which is the main payoff of buying.
  • Overlooking lease mileage caps and end-of-lease fees.
  • Comparing a lease and a loan with different terms or down payments.
  • Leaving out differences in insurance and maintenance.

Keywords: lease, buy, car, compare.

This tool is for general education and comparison only and is not financial advice. Lease and loan terms vary; confirm figures with the dealer or lender.

Sources: US Consumer Financial Protection Bureau — auto loans

Reviewed by the Free Tools Galaxy editorial team · Updated June 2026 · Calculated privately in your browser.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Lease vs Buy Calculator free to use?+

Yes. Every tool on Free Tools Galaxy is 100% free, runs in your browser and requires no signup.

How accurate is the Lease vs Buy Calculator?+

Lease vs Buy Calculator uses the standard lease vs buy formula in double-precision arithmetic, so the same inputs always produce the same result and you can verify any figure by hand. It is an educational estimate — real-world outcomes depend on your actual rates, rules and assumptions.

Do you store my inputs?+

No. The Lease vs Buy Calculator runs entirely in your browser. Nothing is uploaded or saved to a server.

Can I use the Lease vs Buy Calculator on mobile?+

Yes — the interface is fully responsive and works on phones, tablets and desktops.

What are common mistakes to avoid?+

The most frequent mistake is mixing units. Double-check your inputs use a single, consistent unit before clicking Calculate.

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# Lease vs Buy Calculator — the free tool I keep coming back to

Compare leasing versus buying a car over the lease term.

Try it: https://freetoolsgalaxy.com/tools/lease-vs-buy-calculator
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The fastest way is to use a free in-browser lease vs buy calculator: https://freetoolsgalaxy.com/tools/lease-vs-buy-calculator. Compare leasing versus buying a car over the lease term.

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