Lease vs Buy Car Calculator
Compare total cost of leasing vs buying a car over the years you plan to drive it. Simple assumptions, transparent math.
Inputs
Result
Visual breakdown
Formula
Lease cost cycles upfront + payment × term across the years you keep the car. Buy cost = down + payment × months held (capped at the loan term). Resale value, lease overage fees, and maintenance differences are not included.
Example
$420/mo lease (36mo, $2,500 upfront) vs $32,000 buy ($4k down, 6.5%, 60mo), kept 5 years → buying is usually cheaper if you stay past payoff.
Related: Auto loan · Total ownership · Affordability
How to use
- Use a real lease quote, not the advertised payment.
- Match the loan term you'd actually take.
- Set 'years you'll keep the car' honestly — short stays favor leasing.
When it's useful
- Deciding between a 3-year lease cycle and a 5–7 year buy.
- Comparing offers from the same dealer.
- Planning long-term transportation cost.
Common examples
Frequently asked
Does this include resale value?
No — for simplicity. Including resale typically tilts further toward buying.
What about lease mileage overage?
Heavy commuters often blow past the included miles, paying $0.15–$0.30/mi extra. Add that to the lease cost manually.
Is leasing always more expensive long-term?
Usually yes if you keep the car past loan payoff. Leasing wins when you swap cars frequently.
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More money & work →Estimates only — not financial advice.