Cash Flow Investing in Atlanta, GA

Cash Flow Score: 4.0/10Ranked #27 of 52 markets

Data-driven cash flow analysis for Atlanta, GA — score breakdown, key investment metrics, and how it compares to other markets.

Last updated: May 2026

Score Breakdown

Cash Flow Score:4.0
Rent-to-Price Ratio(30%)
0.53%2.7
Cap Rate(30%)
5.9%3.6
Low Vacancy(20%)
8.5%4.4
Low Property Taxes(20%)
1.08%6.4

Key Metrics for Cash Flow

Cap Rate

5.9%

Moderate

Rent-to-Price

0.53%

Below 1% rule

Vacancy Rate

8.5%

Elevated

Property Tax

1.08%

Low

Cash Flow Investment Thesis

Atlanta is one of the top rental markets in the Southeast with strong corporate relocations and population growth. West Midtown and East Atlanta Village offer the best combination of cash flow and appreciation.

How Atlanta Compares

RankCityCash Flow ScoreCap RateMedian Price
#23Jacksonville, FL4.26.4%$285,000
#24Tampa, FL4.15.5%$350,000
#25St. Louis, MO4.07.4%$165,000
#26Raleigh, NC4.05.1%$380,000
#27Atlanta, GA4.05.9%$320,000
#28Pittsburgh, PA3.97.2%$180,000
#29San Antonio, TX3.96.5%$250,000

Showing markets ranked near Atlanta for this strategy.

Quick Math: Estimated Annual Return

Annual Gross Rent ($1,700/mo)$20,400
Less: Vacancy (8.5%)-$1,734
Less: Property Tax (1.08%)-$3,456
Less: Insurance (~0.5%)-$1,600
Less: Maintenance (~1.5%)-$4,800
Estimated NOI$8,810
Implied Cap Rate2.8%

Based on median market data. Your actual returns will vary based on specific property, financing, and management costs. Always run your own analysis before investing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cash flow score for Atlanta, GA?

Atlanta, GA scores 4.0 out of 10 on our cash flow score, ranking #27 out of 52 markets we track. Weighted composite: rent-to-price ratio (30%), cap rate (30%), low vacancy (20%), low property taxes (20%). Scale 0–10.

Is Atlanta a good city for cash flow investing?

Atlanta, GA ranks #27 for cash flow investing with a score of 4.0/10. While not a top-ranked market for this strategy, it may have strengths in other investing approaches.

What is the average cap rate in Atlanta?

The average cap rate in Atlanta, GA is 5.9%. The median home price is $320,000 with a median monthly rent of $1,700, resulting in a rent-to-price ratio of 0.53%.

What are the property taxes in Atlanta?

The effective property tax rate in Atlanta, GA is 1.08%. On a $320,000 property, that translates to approximately $3,456 per year in property taxes.

How does Atlanta compare to other cash flow markets?

Among our 52 tracked markets, Atlanta, GA ranks #27 for cash flow investing. It falls in the middle of the pack for this strategy.

Does Atlanta meet the 1% rule?

Atlanta, GA has a rent-to-price ratio of 0.53%, which falls significantly below the 1% rule. However, the 1% rule is a rough guideline — individual deals can still cash flow well in this market.

Run Your Own Numbers for Atlanta

Use our free calculators pre-filled with Atlanta, GA market data, or adjust the numbers for your specific deal.