The ‘average rent’ mirage: why we need better numbers to understand urban economics

Date Published: March 16, 2026

Section: Milstein Center Research Lab

Areas of Expertise: Real Estate

Categories: Real Estate News

From:

Milstein Center News

Professor Stijn Van Nieuwerburgh co-authored an op-ed for Fortune on the new Columbia CompStak Rent Index.

Mentioned Faculty

Stijn Van Nieuwerburgh

Earle W. Kazis and Benjamin Schore Professor of Real Estate: Finance Division

Earle W. Kazis and Benjamin Schore Professor of Real Estate: Paul Milstein Center for Real Estate

Co-Director: Paul Milstein Center for Real Estate

Photo Image of Wayne Yu

Wayne Yu

SVP of Data: CompStak