Memphis, TN vs Tampa, FL: Real Estate Investment Comparison

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

Median Home Price
$150K-$220K
$330K-$430K
Average Rent
$1,000-$1,400
$1,600-$2,200
Cap Rate Range
7-10%
4-6%
Price-to-Rent Ratio
10-14
16-19
Population
630K+
390K+
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 Tampa?

Tampa offers a blend of cash flow and appreciation in one of Florida's fastest-growing metros. Military presence, healthcare industry, and year-round tourism create diverse rental demand.

  • 1No state income tax
  • 2MacDill Air Force Base
  • 3Growing healthcare sector
  • 4Year-round tourism demand

Which Is Better For...

Cash Flow Investing

Memphis has higher cap rates (7-10% vs 4-6%), suggesting stronger cash flow potential relative to price.

Low Entry Cost

Memphis has lower median prices ($150K-$220K vs $330K-$430K), requiring less capital to get started.

Rental Income

Tampa has higher average rents ($1,600-$2,200 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 Tampa and get instant cap rate, cash flow, and ROI calculations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Memphis or Tampa better for rental property investing?

Both cities offer opportunities. Memphis has cap rates of 7-10% with median prices of $150K-$220K, while Tampa has cap rates of 4-6% with median prices of $330K-$430K. 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 Tampa?

Memphis, TN has cap rates ranging from 7-10%, while Tampa, FL has cap rates of 4-6%. 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 Tampa?

Memphis has median home prices of $150K-$220K compared to Tampa's $330K-$430K. Average rents are $1,000-$1,400 in Memphis and $1,600-$2,200 in Tampa. Consider both price and rent when evaluating affordability and cash flow potential.

Explore These Markets