New York real estate vs Gold since 2016
39% × 309%
Updated July 1, 2026 · Redfin · daily closing prices (not exportable)
Since 2016, New York real estate returned 39% and Gold returned 309%, in U.S. dollars. Gold won the period — but with different risk: the worst drop was 46% (New York real estate) vs 23% (Gold).
Base 100 since 2016
Why compare New York home prices (US$/m²) and Gold (XAU/USD)
New York property and gold are both classic stores of wealth that pay no income, which is exactly why people line them up. This sets New York home prices per square foot, from Redfin sold listings, against gold priced in U.S. dollars, and it is appreciation only on both sides: no rent received, no leverage, no property taxes or maintenance on the housing side, and gold collects no interest by design. Their patterns rarely sync. Gold spikes in crises and inflation scares and can sit flat for years, while New York home prices grind through slow local cycles tied to rates and migration. Whichever leads turns heavily on the start date. This is not investment advice.
Returns by window
| Window | New York home prices (US$/m²) | Gold (XAU/USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 year | -2% | 25% |
| 5 years | 1% | 127% |
| 10 years | 23% | 205% |
| since 2016 | 39% | 309% |
The price of return: risk
| Asset | Annual volatility | Worst drop |
|---|---|---|
| New York real estate | 28% | -46% |
| Gold | 15% | -23% |
$10,000 in each, since 2016
| Asset | Value today |
|---|---|
| New York real estate | $13,914 |
| Gold | $40,850 |
Frequently asked questions
New York real estate or Gold: which returned more?
Since 2016, Gold 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.