Auto Calculators

Lease vs. Buy Calculator

Leasing keeps payments low but you own nothing; buying costs more monthly but builds equity. Compare the net cost of each over the same period.

Inputs

Vehicle price

Down payment (to buy)

Loan rate (to buy)

Loan term (years)

Monthly lease payment

Comparison period (years)

Car value at end (% of price)

Estimates only. Change any value to recalculate instantly.

Cheaper over 3 years Leasing by $5,438 after counting equity

Buy — net cost $20,558 after resale equity

Lease — total cost $15,120

Equity if you buy $5,540

Buy payment $613.84

Net cost compared

Buying (net) $21k
Leasing $15k

Net cost if you exit Buy (net of equity)Lease

Over 3 years, buying costs $20,558 after you account for the $5,540 of equity you keep, versus $15,120 for the lease with nothing to show. Leasing can still win if you always want a new car and drive few miles.

Net cost by yearView table

Year	Buy (net)	Lease (total)	Equity built
1	$7,250	$5,040	$4,116
2	$14,112	$10,080	$4,620
3	$20,558	$15,120	$5,540

How this calculator works

This calculator runs entirely in your browser — nothing you enter is sent anywhere, and there is no sign-up. Change any input and the result, breakdown, and schedule update instantly.

Rate and cost fields are pre-filled with current benchmarks (Federal Reserve / Freddie Mac via FRED (St. Louis Fed)), so your first result is already realistic — replace them with your own quote to see your numbers. To weigh one option against another, use the loan comparison calculator.

Common questions

Is this calculator free, and do I need to sign up?

Yes and no — it is completely free and asks for no account or personal details. Every calculation happens in your browser, so nothing you type is stored or sent to us.

How accurate are the results?

The math is exact for the inputs you give it, but the defaults are national benchmarks — your real rate, fees, taxes, and insurance will differ. Treat the result as a close estimate to refine with a real quote.