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
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
Example calculation
Illustrative example — not advice
Worked example — the lease vs buy calculator as it loads, using the default figures below.
- 01Enter vehicle price: $34,000.
- 02Enter comparison period: 3 years.
- 03Enter lease payment: $379.
- 04Enter lease upfront cost: $2,500.
- 05Enter purchase deposit: $5,000.
- 06Enter loan interest rate: 7.4%.
- 07Enter resale value at end: 55%.
- 08Read the total cost to lease from the results panel: $16,144.
Total cost to lease: $16,144. Net cost to buy: $18,727. Difference: $2,583. Cheaper option: Leasing.
These figures come straight from the calculator above running on the values listed, so you can retype them and confirm every number yourself. Change any input and the results update immediately. Illustrative only — not a quote, offer or recommendation.
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.
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