When to use it
Use it when comparing dealer lease sheets, bank financing, mileage needs, and expected resale value before choosing your next vehicle.
Free auto cost comparison
Free Lease vs Buy Car Calculator
A lease vs buy car calculator compares the total cost of leasing a vehicle with the cost of financing and owning it over the same time horizon.
Comparison model
lease cost vs buy cost minus equity
Use it before signing a lease quote or auto loan for a family or carpool vehicle.
Compare your lease and buy offers
Enter the vehicle price, lease quote, financing terms, mileage, resale value, and ownership costs.
Better estimate
Buy
Difference over 36 months: $597.79
- Lease total
- $20,894.00
- Buy total
- $20,296.21
- Loan payment
- $593.39
- Excess miles
- 9,000
Line itemLeaseBuy
Cash due today$3,200.00$4,000.00
Monthly payments during horizon$15,444.00$21,361.97
Mileage or upkeep$2,250.00$3,600.00
Payoff minus resale value--$8,665.76
RideVillage lease vs buy estimate: Buying is cheaper by $597.79 over 36 months before personal insurance, tax-credit, and dealer-specific adjustments. Lease total: $20,894.00. Buy total: $20,296.21. Estimated loan payment: $593.39/mo.
What it includes
The estimate includes upfront cash, loan payments, lease payments, sales tax, mileage overage, buy-side upkeep, remaining payoff, and resale value.
Plan the rides after purchase
RideVillage helps families turn the right vehicle into a reliable school, activity, and sports carpool schedule.
Start a carpoolLease vs Buy Car FAQ
What is a lease vs buy car calculator?
A lease vs buy car calculator compares the total cost of leasing a vehicle with the cost of buying it over the same time horizon.
Is leasing cheaper than buying a car?
Leasing can be cheaper when monthly payments and upfront costs are low, but buying can win when resale value, equity, and long-term ownership are stronger.
What costs should I include when comparing lease and buy offers?
Include due-at-signing cash, down payment, sales tax, loan APR, loan term, lease payment, mileage allowance, excess mileage fee, maintenance, and expected resale value.
How does mileage affect a car lease?
A lease usually includes a fixed annual mileage allowance. Miles above that allowance can trigger per-mile charges at lease turn-in.