Austin real estate vs S&P 500 since 2013
143% × 406%
Updated July 1, 2026 · Redfin · daily closing prices (not exportable)
Since 2013, Austin real estate returned 143% and S&P 500 returned 406%, in U.S. dollars. S&P 500 won the period — but with different risk: the worst drop was 28% (Austin real estate) vs 25% (S&P 500).
Base 100 since 2013
Why compare Austin home prices (US$/m²) and S&P 500
Austin became the symbol of the pandemic-era boomtown, so people ask whether buying into that surge would have beaten simply holding the S&P 500. This compares Austin home prices per square foot, from Redfin sold listings, against the S&P 500 price index, and it is appreciation only: no rent, leverage, property taxes or maintenance on the housing side, and no dividends on the index side. Austin's pattern is one of the most dramatic local cycles in the country, a steep migration-driven run-up followed by a sharp pullback, against an index that climbs more steadily. Whichever leads depends almost entirely on when you started. This is not investment advice.
Returns by window
| Window | Austin home prices (US$/m²) | S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 year | -6% | 15% |
| 5 years | -8% | 66% |
| 10 years | 67% | 237% |
| since 2013 | 143% | 406% |
The price of return: risk
| Asset | Annual volatility | Worst drop |
|---|---|---|
| Austin real estate | 11% | -28% |
| S&P 500 | 14% | -25% |
$10,000 in each, since 2013
| Asset | Value today |
|---|---|
| Austin real estate | $24,303 |
| S&P 500 | $50,597 |
Frequently asked questions
Austin real estate or S&P 500: which returned more?
Since 2013, S&P 500 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.