RentData

Average Rent in Memphis, AR Rents rising 4.4% YoY🔺 Most expensive in AR

HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 1,341,606

Data review: HUD FY2025Sources: HUD, Zillow, CensusMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction

Market Overview

Memphis, AR has rental prices ranging from $1,105/month to $2,086/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,207/month — 14% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $64,743/year, spending $1,207/month on a 1-bedroom represents 22% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Memphis Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,355/month, Memphis ranks #1 most expensive of the 67 cities tracked in Arkansas — pricier than 88% of all US cities in our data.

The Memphis Rental Market

The Memphis, AR area has a population of about 1,341,606 and 39% of households renting rather than owning. That renter share runs above the US average of ~34%, pointing to a competitive rental market where vacancies clear quickly and rents are less negotiable.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Memphis, AR have risen by $57/month (4.4%) over the past year, from $1,298 to $1,355. This modest growth is consistent with broader inflationary trends seen across US rental markets.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Memphis, AR without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $48,280. The local median household income of $64,743 exceeds that threshold by $16,463, making Memphis relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Fair Market Rents

HUD FY2025
Studio
$1,105
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$1,207
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$1,355
4.4% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,781
Average
4 Bedrooms
$2,086
Average
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Is Memphis, AR Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Affordability Index(30% income rule)

To rent a 2BR
$54,200/year
Local median income: $64,743
To buy a median home
/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $1,355/month and 20% down on a home at 7% rate.

Nearby Cities in ARlargest metros in the state

CityStudio1BR2BR3BRHome Value
Little Rock$887$892$1,032$1,376
Fayetteville$853$925$1,111$1,557
Franklin County$642$646$848$1,060
Fort Smith$689$694$910$1,236
Texarkana$848$853$1,071$1,327
Jonesboro$697$812$973$1,304

Rent or Buy in Memphis?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Memphis data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$1,355/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,863/mo
🏠 Buy

Buying breaks even after 1 year — worth it if you stay 1+ years.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,577/movs rent: $1,355/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Memphis

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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🏘️Neighborhoods in Memphis

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

💵Rent Affordability in Memphis

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in AR

See how Memphis ranks statewide

⚖️Compare Memphis

Side-by-side rent & cost of living with any city

📋AR Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections