Kesoria

Lease vs. Buy Auto Calculator

Compare the true net cost of leasing a car against buying it.

Read the guide: Budgeting & Cash Flow

Lease Details

Purchase & Loan Details

Monthly Purchase PaymentUS$658
Verdict at end of 36-month lease
Buying is cheaper by US$616 at this point.
Net Cost to Buy (at month 36)
US$20,118
Total paid minus the vehicle equity you still own.
Total Cost to Lease (36 months)
US$20,734
All payments and fees; you return the car with zero equity.

Net True Cost Over Time

  • Net Purchase Cost (out-of-pocket − equity)
  • Total Lease Cost
Mo 0Mo 6Mo 12Mo 18Mo 24Mo 30Mo 36Mo 42Mo 48Mo 54Mo 60US$0US$7kUS$14kUS$21kUS$28k

Leasing usually looks cheaper early on due to lower monthly payments. Buying pulls ahead as you build equity and the loan is repaid — the net purchase line keeps falling after the lease ends, while a new lease would restart the amber line from scratch.