Lease vs Buy Car Calculator
Last updated: October 15, 2026
Compare the net cost of leasing a vehicle with buying and retaining equity.
Estimated lower-cost option
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- Net lease cost: —
- Net buy cost after equity: —
- Estimated difference: —
On this page
Quick summary: Compare the net cost of leasing a vehicle with buying and retaining equity.
Read the complete guide
Updated reference sections in this guide are in English.
What this calculator estimates
Compare the net cost of leasing a vehicle with buying and retaining equity.
How to use it
Enter Lease upfront cost ($); Lease monthly payment ($); Comparison months; Lease-end fees ($); Buy down payment and fees ($); Buy monthly payment ($); Estimated vehicle equity at end ($). Select Calculate to update the results.
How the calculation works
Lease cost adds upfront, monthly and lease-end charges. Buy cost adds down payment and payments, then subtracts estimated ending equity.
Worked example: starting scenario
| Lease upfront cost ($) | 3500 |
|---|---|
| Lease monthly payment ($) | 499 |
| Comparison months | 36 |
| Lease-end fees ($) | 500 |
| Buy down payment and fees ($) | 5000 |
| Buy monthly payment ($) | 700 |
| Estimated vehicle equity at end ($) | 12000 |
| Estimated lower-cost option | Buying is lower by $3,764.00 |
|---|---|
| Net lease cost | $21,964.00 |
| Net buy cost after equity | $18,200.00 |
| Estimated difference | $3,764.00 |
Important limitations
Mileage charges, maintenance, taxes, financing differences and resale uncertainty may materially change the comparison.