Auto Loan Calculators
Lease vs Buy Calculator
Compare the total cost of leasing a car against buying it with finance over the same period, including resale value.
Total cost to lease
$16,144
- Net cost to buy
- $18,727
- Difference
- $2,583
- Cheaper option
- Leasing
LeaseBuy
How this calculator works
Lease cost = upfront + payments; Buy cost = deposit + payments + interest − resale value
- resale value
- what the car is worth when the comparison period ends
Important considerations
- Leases carry mileage limits and wear charges that can add materially to the cost.
- Buying leaves you with an asset; leasing leaves you with nothing but lower risk.
Related calculators
- Car Affordability CalculatorThe car price a monthly budget supports.
- Auto Loan CalculatorMonthly vehicle payment after deposit, trade-in, tax and fees.
- Car Depreciation CalculatorVehicle value year by year.
- Cost Per Mile CalculatorThe true cost of every mile you drive.
- Auto Loan Payoff CalculatorEarly payoff date and interest saved.
- Auto Refinance CalculatorSavings from refinancing a car loan.
Learn more
Terms used here
Frequently asked questions
Why can leasing look cheaper?
You only pay for the depreciation during the term, not the whole car — but you also own nothing at the end.
Disclaimer
Legamoney calculators are educational tools. Results are estimates based on the figures you enter and do not constitute financial, tax or legal advice.
Last reviewed 2026-08-01