Do you need a new car? One of the first decisions you’ll face is whether to lease or buy. Purchasing a vehicle outright can be expensive, with high monthly payments, sizable down payments and ongoing maintenance costs. If buying doesn’t fit your needs or budget, leasing may be a more flexible alternative.
In this article, we break down the income you need to comfortably lease a car in 2026, according to car experts. With this guidance, you can walk into the dealership confident — and drive away without derailing your financial goals.
