Testing the monocentric standard urban model in a global sample of cities

Using a unique dataset containing gridded data on population densities, rents, housing sizes, and transportation in 192 cities worldwide, we investigate the empirical relevance of monocentric standard urban model (SUM). Overall, SUM seems surprisingly capable capturing inner structure cities, both developed developing countries. As expected, spread out when they are richer, more populated, or farmland is cheaper. Respectively 100% 87% exhibit expected negative density rent gradients: average, 1% decrease income net costs leads to 21% densities 3% rents per m2. We also heterogeneity between different characteristics terms monocentricity, informality, amenities.