Memphis, TN vs Atlanta, GA: Real Estate Investment Comparison

Side-by-side comparison of two popular real estate investment markets. See how Memphis and Atlanta stack up on price, rent, cap rate, and more.

Median Home Price
$150K-$220K
$300K-$400K
Average Rent
$1,000-$1,400
$1,400-$2,000
Cap Rate Range
7-10%
5-7%
Price-to-Rent Ratio
10-14
15-18
Population
630K+
500K+
Region
South
South

Why Invest in Memphis?

Memphis offers some of the highest cap rates in the country with very affordable entry points. The city has a large Section 8 housing program and a strong logistics industry anchored by FedEx headquarters.

  • 1No state income tax
  • 2Affordable entry prices
  • 3Large Section 8 market
  • 4FedEx and logistics hub

Why Invest in Atlanta?

Atlanta is the economic engine of the Southeast with a diverse economy including tech (Google, Microsoft offices), entertainment, logistics (world's busiest airport), and healthcare.

  • 1Diverse metro economy
  • 2World's busiest airport (Hartsfield-Jackson)
  • 3Growing tech hub
  • 4Film and entertainment industry

Which Is Better For...

Cash Flow Investing

Memphis has higher cap rates (7-10% vs 5-7%), suggesting stronger cash flow potential relative to price.

Low Entry Cost

Memphis has lower median prices ($150K-$220K vs $300K-$400K), requiring less capital to get started.

Rental Income

Atlanta has higher average rents ($1,400-$2,000 vs $1,000-$1,400), generating more gross rental income.

Market Size

Memphis (630K+) is the larger market, offering more inventory and diversification.

Analyze Properties in Either Market

Search any address in Memphis or Atlanta and get instant cap rate, cash flow, and ROI calculations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Memphis or Atlanta better for rental property investing?

Both cities offer opportunities. Memphis has cap rates of 7-10% with median prices of $150K-$220K, while Atlanta has cap rates of 5-7% with median prices of $300K-$400K. The best choice depends on your investment goals — cash flow vs appreciation — and your budget. Use PropertyDNA to analyze specific properties in either market.

What are the cap rates in Memphis vs Atlanta?

Memphis, TN has cap rates ranging from 7-10%, while Atlanta, GA has cap rates of 5-7%. Higher cap rates indicate more income relative to the property price, but may come with different risk profiles.

Which city has more affordable rental properties, Memphis or Atlanta?

Memphis has median home prices of $150K-$220K compared to Atlanta's $300K-$400K. Average rents are $1,000-$1,400 in Memphis and $1,400-$2,000 in Atlanta. Consider both price and rent when evaluating affordability and cash flow potential.

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