Lease vs Buy Calculator
Leasing or buying? Compare total cost over the analysis period and see the breakeven year.
Model v1.0.0 · Data generated 2026-10-01 · 0 benchmark metrics
Select a scenario to pre-fill realistic defaults for that facility type.
Anonymous, bucketed. We only store your decision profile (size, tier, scenario, result band) — never your inputs or identity.
Lower Total Cost
$59,700
45% confidence · model v1.0.0
Buying wins on total cost
4 × Commercial Treadmill (mid tier) over 5 years: buying costs $59,700 vs leasing at $117,360.
Break-even horizon
Buying breaks even after ~2.3 years. Holding the equipment past that point favours ownership; replacing sooner favours leasing.
Check the financing route
If cash is tight but you want ownership economics, compare an equipment loan against these lease terms.
Open Financing Calculator →Assumptions
- • Monthly lease rate: 2.2% of list price
- • Maintenance burden (buy): 3% of price per year
- • Electricity: $0.15/kWh — charged to both paths
- • Tier adjustment: mid ×1
- • Lease includes service: Commercial leases typically bundle preventive maintenance; electricity is paid by the operator either way.
Limitations
- • No residual value — Ownership retains resale value at end of term; conservative here.
- • Flat lease pricing — Real quotes step with credit tier and volume discounts.
Data sources & method
This tool uses FitnessNav benchmark data: equipment useful life, maintenance %, energy consumption, pricing and scenario presets. Every assumption shown in the result references its benchmark metric. Benchmarks are verified over time through industry research — draft values are clearly flagged.
Lease vs Buy Calculator — frequently asked questions
When does leasing beat buying gym equipment?
Below the breakeven usage point. Lease rent runs about 2.2% of price per month; ownership wins once avoided rent exceeds ownership running costs (maintenance plus electricity).
Are electricity charges symmetric between both paths?
Yes — both lease and buy paths carry the same electricity bill at $0.15/kWh against the machine's kWh rating, so the comparison never flatters either side on power.
What does a typical lease include?
Service and maintenance are typically bundled by the lessor; electricity never is. This model charges power to both paths explicitly and treats rent as maintenance-inclusive.
How is breakeven computed?
The model compares cumulative lease spend against cumulative ownership cost month by month; the crossover month where buying becomes cheaper is reported directly.