United States · Auto

Lease vs Buy Calculator

Compare simplified out-of-pocket lease cost with loan payments over the same comparison period.

US units & dollarsRuns in your browserFormula & assumptions ↓

Your inputs

Your results

Enter your values and calculate to see the result.

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How this Lease vs Buy Calculator works

The calculator uses the values you enter and transparent arithmetic to produce a US-focused planning estimate. Change the assumptions to compare realistic scenarios rather than relying on a single default.

Formula and assumptions

Results use the displayed inputs only. Costs not represented by an input are excluded. Financing calculations use standard amortization mathematics where applicable.

Example and planning tips

Use current quotes for APR, fuel or electricity prices, trade-in values and dealer charges. Comparing several scenarios can show how term length, efficiency, rates and upfront cash affect total cost.

Important limitations

This tool is educational and does not constitute a lender quote, dealer offer, tax calculation or financial advice. Actual vehicle costs vary by state, lender, vehicle, driver and transaction.

Browse all US auto calculators.

How to use this calculator

  1. Set Lease monthly payment (default 450).
  2. Set Lease due at signing (default 3000).
  3. Set Loan monthly payment (default 650).
  4. Set Purchase down payment (default 5000).
  5. Set Comparison period (default 36).
  6. Select Calculate to update the result. Reset restores the starting values.

Planning estimate only. Dealer fees, taxes, incentives, lender terms, insurance, depreciation and local rules can change actual costs unless explicitly included.

Maintained by the CalculatorsOnline Editorial Team. Read our methodology policy.