Columbus scores higher on the Star Score index — 85 vs 80 — driven mainly by gross yield. Columbus yields 7.7% gross on a $209,756 typical home; Tuscaloosa yields 8.4% on $238,644 (September 2026 data).
| Metric | Columbus | Tuscaloosa |
|---|---|---|
| Typical home value | $209,756 | $238,644 |
| Typical rent | $1,353 | $1,668 |
| Price-to-rent ratio | 13 | 12 |
| Gross yield | 7.7% | 8.4% |
| Star Score | 85 | 80 |
Full profiles: Columbus · Tuscaloosa