Lease vs buy a car calculator

Side-by-side monthly outlay + total lifetime cost across the same term. Buying builds equity (you own the car); leasing leaves you with nothing at the end — but lower monthly payments.

Both options
Buy
Lease

🚗 Buy

Monthly EMI0
Down payment0
Interest paid0
− Resale value0
Net cost0

📑 Lease

Monthly payment0
Fees0
Depreciation share0
End equity
Net cost0

Reading the verdict

"Buy is cheaper" assumes you actually keep the car after the term and the resale value holds. "Lease is cheaper" assumes you walk away with nothing — if you plan to swap cars every 3 years anyway, leasing usually wins on hassle and predictability.

  • Mileage limits: leases penalize 20¢–30¢ per excess km/mile. Add this if you drive a lot.
  • Maintenance: leases often include scheduled maintenance; ownership doesn’t.
  • Insurance: typically similar; not factored here.