Tesla Lease vs Buy Calculator: Which Costs Less for You?
Plug in a real Tesla lease quote and loan terms to see which costs less over the lease term — counting the equity you'd still own if you buy.
How to compare fairly
Comparing monthly payments isn't enough: a lease payment buys only the years you use, while a loan payment builds ownership. This calculator adds up everything you'd pay over the lease term, then subtracts the car's estimated value minus whatever you'd still owe on the loan.
Tesla lease basics
- Mileage: Tesla offers 10,000, 12,000 or 15,000 miles a year. Extra miles typically cost $0.25 each.
- Buyout: Tesla added a lease buyout option for new US Model 3 and Model Y leases in late 2024, for a fee — check your contract.
- No federal tax credit: the $7,500 credit ended on September 30, 2025, for both leases and purchases.
- FSD: it's subscription-only ($99/month) on new orders, so it costs the same whether you lease or buy.
When leasing makes sense
- You want a new Tesla every few years and drive predictable miles.
- You'd rather Tesla carry the risk of used prices falling after price cuts.
- You don't want to deal with selling or trading in later.
Frequently asked questions
Is it better to lease or buy a Tesla?
Buying usually costs less if you keep the car well past the loan, while leasing can win over a short term when lease deals are strong or used prices are falling. Run your actual quote through the calculator.
Can you buy out a Tesla lease?
For many recent US Model 3 and Model Y leases, yes — Tesla introduced a lease buyout option in late 2024 with a fee. Older Model 3 and Model Y leases generally couldn't be bought out. Check your lease agreement.
What happens to FSD on a leased Tesla?
On new orders FSD is a $99/month subscription, so you simply cancel it or keep paying. It doesn't affect the lease itself.
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