Compare total outlay
See how leasing and buying differ over the same ownership period.
Finance comparison tool
Lease vs Buy Calculator – Compare Total Costs
Compare the total cost of leasing a vehicle versus buying it over the same period. This gives you a simple cost comparison, not tax or investment advice.
Before comparing options, you can estimate your allowance with our lease allowance recommendation calculator. Also try our lease mileage checker or excess mileage cost calculator.
- Fast side-by-side comparison
- Great for rough decision-making
- No login and no stored data
Use this calculator when you want a practical “what costs more?” view over the same time period.
Use the calculatorWhy drivers use this calculator
Include resale value
Factor in what the vehicle may still be worth if you buy it.
Make faster decisions
Use a simple financial comparison before going deeper into the details.
Lease vs buy calculator
Enter your figures to compare leasing with buying.
Total lease cost
—Total buy cost
—Cheaper option
—Difference
—Nothing is saved. All calculations happen in your browser.
How this comparison works
- Lease cost = deposit + monthly lease payments
- Buy cost = purchase price + costs − resale value
- This reflects the fact that buying leaves you with an asset
What this means
This is a simplified financial comparison. It does not include financing interest, opportunity cost, insurance differences or tax effects. It is designed as a quick, practical decision tool.
Choosing between leasing and buying
Use the result as a starting point, then think about how long you will keep the vehicle and how much flexibility you need.
Leasing can suit short-term plans
Leasing may make sense if you want predictable payments, a fixed term and the option to change vehicles more often.
Buying can suit long-term ownership
Buying may work better if you plan to keep the vehicle for longer and want to benefit from any retained resale value.
Check the assumptions
Small changes in resale value, fees or monthly payments can change which option looks cheaper.
Lease vs buy FAQ
Is leasing or buying cheaper overall?
It depends on the vehicle, usage, and resale value. Leasing often has lower monthly costs, while buying may be cheaper over the long term if the vehicle retains value.
What factors affect the cost of leasing?
Key factors include the deposit, monthly payments, lease term, and mileage allowance. Exceeding your allowance can increase the total cost.
What factors affect the cost of buying?
The purchase price, financing costs, depreciation, and resale value all determine the total cost of ownership.
When is buying a better option than leasing?
Buying is often better if you plan to keep the vehicle long term, drive high mileage, or want full ownership without restrictions.