Compare leasing a car and buying it with a loan: monthly payments and the total cost of owning it at the end.
Figures checked: October 2026 · Methodology and sources
With a loan the car is yours from day one; with a lease you can also hand it back. Fees are not included.
To compare fairly, the calculator looks at the cost of ending up owning the car both ways: the lease payments plus buying it for the residual value at the end, against the payments of a loan for the same amount and term.
Leases often advertise a lower interest rate, but the monthly payment is low mainly because the residual value is deferred. What matters is the total.
When you want a new car every few years and do not drive much, or when a business can deduct the payments.
When you keep the car for many years: once the loan is paid off, the car costs only running costs.
Insurance requirements (leases often require comprehensive cover), mileage limits and early termination costs.
Indicative results. This is not financial advice.
Know how much you will have left at the end of the month
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