Calculator
Lease vs Buy Calculator
Compare the true cost of leasing vs buying a car. See which option saves more money and when buying becomes cheaper.
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Lease vs Buy Calculator
Should you lease or buy your next car? Compare the true total cost of leasing vs financing — including the break-even point where buying becomes cheaper.
🏷️Vehicle & Lease Details
🏦Financing Details
💡 Estimate what the car will be worth at the end of the lease period. Used to calculate your equity if buying.
Monthly Buy Payment
$626/mo
Over the 36-month period
🏆 Buying is cheaper
by $8,760
after accounting for car equity
⚖️True Cost Comparison
| Cost Item | Lease | Buy |
|---|---|---|
| Down Payment | $3,000 | $3,000 |
| Monthly Payments (36 mo.) | $12,600 | $22,540 |
| Fees | $700 | — |
| Total Paid | $16,300 | $25,540 |
| Asset Value at End | $0 (no asset) | $18,000 |
| Net True Cost | $16,300 | $7,540 |
⏱️Break-Even Point
Month 1
Buying becomes cheaper than leasing after approximately 1 months (1 years) when accounting for the vehicle's equity value.
💡Key Insights
- •Leasing typically offers lower monthly payments but you own nothing at the end.
- •Buying builds equity — the longer you keep it, the more buying pays off.
- •Leases have mileage limits (usually 10,000–15,000 mi/yr) with overage fees.
- •Buying total interest: $5,567 over the full loan term.