Austin real estate vs San Francisco real estate since 2013
143% × 106%
Updated May 1, 2026 · Redfin
Since 2013, Austin real estate returned 143% and San Francisco real estate returned 106%, in U.S. dollars. Austin real estate won the period — but with different risk: the worst drop was 28% (Austin real estate) vs 24% (San Francisco real estate).
Base 100 since 2013
Why compare Austin home prices (US$/m²) and San Francisco home prices (US$/m²)
Austin versus San Francisco captures the tech-migration story, the boomtown that drew companies and workers away from the Bay Area. Both lines are home prices per square foot from Redfin sold listings, a price-appreciation comparison only, not a verdict on the better investment, and both exclude rent, leverage, property taxes and maintenance. The contrast is between an established, supply-constrained, expensive market and a younger one that ran up fast on inflows and then pulled back sharply. Their relative lead swings with the tech cycle and where people are moving, so the start year does most of the work. This is not investment advice.
Returns by window
| Window | Austin home prices (US$/m²) | San Francisco home prices (US$/m²) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 year | -6% | 14% |
| 5 years | -8% | 7% |
| 10 years | 67% | 25% |
| since 2013 | 143% | 106% |
The price of return: risk
| Asset | Annual volatility | Worst drop |
|---|---|---|
| Austin real estate | 11% | -28% |
| San Francisco real estate | 15% | -24% |
$10,000 in each, since 2013
| Asset | Value today |
|---|---|
| Austin real estate | $24,303 |
| San Francisco real estate | $20,583 |
Frequently asked questions
Austin real estate or San Francisco real estate: which returned more?
Since 2013, Austin real estate returned more in U.S. dollars. Over shorter windows the lead can change — see the per-window table on the page.
Does a higher return mean a better investment?
Not on its own — risk matters. The page shows the volatility and the largest drop of each; similar returns can hide very different rides.
Are these figures in real terms?
No — these are nominal returns in U.S. dollars. To see real (inflation-adjusted) gains, compare each one against U.S. inflation (CPI).
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Descriptive, educational content computed from official public data. Not investment advice. Past performance does not guarantee future results.