Rent vs Buy Calculator for Memphis, TN
Updated 2026 · Local data pre-filled
Memphis's price-to-rent ratio is 17.9 — in the neutral zone where the decision depends on your timeline and priorities. Median rent is $908/mo vs a $195,000 purchase price.
✓ Calculator below is pre-filled with Memphis local data
How Memphis Compares to the National Average
Understanding how Memphis stacks up helps you calibrate your financial planning.
| Metric | Memphis, TN | US Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $195,000 | $420,800 | -53.7% |
| Median Monthly Rent | $908 | $1,713 | -47.0% |
| Median Household Income | $50,200 | $74,580 | -32.7% |
| Property Tax Rate | 0.69% | 1.10% | -37.3% |
| Cost of Living Index | 84 | 100 | -16.0% |
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, NAR (2024–2025). Green = favorable for residents; red = less favorable.
Memphis Financial Snapshot
- Population (Metro)
- 1,360,000
- Unemployment
- 5.4%
- Avg Commute
- 24 min
- Median Age
- 35.4
- Price-to-Rent Ratio
- 17.9x
- Annual Property Tax
- $1,346
Rent vs Buy Calculator in Other Tennessee Cities
Frequently Asked Questions — Memphis
What is the median home price in Memphis, TN?
The median home price in Memphis is $195,000 as of 2025–2026. This is below the national median of $420,800.
What is the average rent in Memphis?
Median monthly rent in Memphis is $908. That works out to $10,896/year, or 22% of the median household income — within the commonly recommended 30% of income guideline.
Is Memphis affordable?
Memphis's cost of living index is 84 vs. the national average of 100. With a median household income of $50,200/year and a median home price of $195,000, the price-to-income ratio is 3.9x. Memphis remains relatively affordable compared to many US metros.
What is the property tax rate in Memphis?
The effective property tax rate in Memphis is 0.69% of assessed value. On the median home of $195,000, that's roughly $1,346/year ($112/month).