San Francisco real estate vs Los Angeles real estate since 2013
106% × 157%
Updated May 1, 2026 · Redfin
Since 2013, San Francisco real estate returned 106% and Los Angeles real estate returned 157%, in U.S. dollars. Los Angeles real estate won the period — but with different risk: the worst drop was 24% (San Francisco real estate) vs 14% (Los Angeles real estate).
Base 100 since 2013
Why compare San Francisco home prices (US$/m²) and Los Angeles home prices (US$/m²)
San Francisco and Los Angeles are California's two anchor markets, so the comparison asks which coastal metro held value better through the same state-wide forces. Both lines are home prices per square foot from Redfin sold listings, a pure price-appreciation comparison, not a judgment on the better investment, and both exclude rent, leverage, property taxes and maintenance. The durable difference is sensitivity to tech: San Francisco amplifies the boom-and-bust of the Bay Area economy, while Los Angeles is more diversified and tends to move in steadier, supply-constrained cycles. Their relative lead flips with each tech cycle and migration wave. This is not investment advice.
Returns by window
| Window | San Francisco home prices (US$/m²) | Los Angeles home prices (US$/m²) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 year | 14% | -4% |
| 5 years | 7% | 8% |
| 10 years | 25% | 60% |
| since 2013 | 106% | 157% |
The price of return: risk
| Asset | Annual volatility | Worst drop |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco real estate | 15% | -24% |
| Los Angeles real estate | 8% | -14% |
$10,000 in each, since 2013
| Asset | Value today |
|---|---|
| San Francisco real estate | $20,583 |
| Los Angeles real estate | $25,725 |
Frequently asked questions
San Francisco real estate or Los Angeles real estate: which returned more?
Since 2013, Los Angeles 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.