Memphis, TN vs Columbus, OH: Real Estate Investment Comparison
Side-by-side comparison of two popular real estate investment markets. See how Memphis and Columbus stack up on price, rent, cap rate, and more.
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 Columbus?
Columbus is one of the fastest-growing cities in the Midwest with a diverse economy driven by Ohio State University, tech companies, and major corporate headquarters. Strong population growth supports both cash flow and appreciation.
- 1Ohio State University drives demand
- 2Intel chip manufacturing facility nearby
- 3Consistent population growth
- 4Diversified economy
Which Is Better For...
Cash Flow Investing
Memphis has higher cap rates (7-10% vs 5-8%), suggesting stronger cash flow potential relative to price.
Low Entry Cost
Memphis has lower median prices ($150K-$220K vs $220K-$300K), requiring less capital to get started.
Rental Income
Columbus has higher average rents ($1,200-$1,700 vs $1,000-$1,400), generating more gross rental income.
Market Size
Columbus (900K+) is the larger market, offering more inventory and diversification.
Analyze Properties in Either Market
Search any address in Memphis or Columbus and get instant cap rate, cash flow, and ROI calculations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Memphis or Columbus better for rental property investing?
Both cities offer opportunities. Memphis has cap rates of 7-10% with median prices of $150K-$220K, while Columbus has cap rates of 5-8% with median prices of $220K-$300K. 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 Columbus?
Memphis, TN has cap rates ranging from 7-10%, while Columbus, OH has cap rates of 5-8%. 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 Columbus?
Memphis has median home prices of $150K-$220K compared to Columbus's $220K-$300K. Average rents are $1,000-$1,400 in Memphis and $1,200-$1,700 in Columbus. Consider both price and rent when evaluating affordability and cash flow potential.