Los Angeles real estate vs S&P 500 since 2013
157% × 406%
Updated July 1, 2026 · Redfin · daily closing prices (not exportable)
Since 2013, Los Angeles real estate returned 157% and S&P 500 returned 406%, in U.S. dollars. S&P 500 won the period — but with different risk: the worst drop was 14% (Los Angeles real estate) vs 25% (S&P 500).
Base 100 since 2013
Why compare Los Angeles home prices (US$/m²) and S&P 500
Los Angeles real estate is a household store of wealth on the coast, so buyers compare it against the S&P 500 to see whether the city's homes kept pace with the broad market. The figures here are Los Angeles home prices per square foot, from Redfin sold listings, set against the S&P 500 price index, and the comparison is appreciation only. It leaves out rent, leverage, property taxes and maintenance on the housing side, and dividends on the index side. LA prices move in long, supply-constrained cycles tied to rates and migration, while the index tends to compound more steadily and recover from crashes faster. This is not investment advice.
Returns by window
| Window | Los Angeles home prices (US$/m²) | S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 year | -4% | 15% |
| 5 years | 8% | 66% |
| 10 years | 60% | 237% |
| since 2013 | 157% | 406% |
The price of return: risk
| Asset | Annual volatility | Worst drop |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles real estate | 8% | -14% |
| S&P 500 | 14% | -25% |
$10,000 in each, since 2013
| Asset | Value today |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles real estate | $25,725 |
| S&P 500 | $50,597 |
Frequently asked questions
Los Angeles 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.