$100 a Month Into Solana or Ethereum Since 2021: Which Is Worth More Today?

Two investors have been contributing $100 each month into Solana (CRYPTO:SOL) and Ethereum (CRYPTO:ETH) since January 2021, leading to distinct outcomes in their portfolios. This analysis highlights the effects of dollar-cost averaging amid fluctuating prices.

The hypothetical investment scenario involves a total of $7,000 allocated to each cryptocurrency over the span of 70 months. As of late October 2026, Solana is trading at $101, reflecting a 15.1% decline over the past month and a significant 47.9% drop over the last year. In contrast, Ethereum is priced at $2,338, down 12.7% in the last month and 40.1% year-over-year.

When comparing the performance of these investments as of October 24, 2026, for Solana and October 27, 2026, for Ethereum, the results reveal a stark contrast. The investment in Solana surged to a value of $21,779, representing a total return of 211.1%. Meanwhile, the Ethereum investment reached only $7,598, marking a modest increase of 8.5%.

A key factor in Solana's superior performance is its lower starting price of $1.84 at the beginning of 2021, compared to Ethereum's starting price of $729.63. This disparity allowed each $100 monthly investment in Solana to acquire significantly more coins, which now constitute a substantial portion of the overall holdings. During the price downturn of 2022, dollar-cost averaging worked to Solana's advantage, as the same $100 purchases resulted in acquiring more coins, reducing the average cost to $32.87 per SOL, well below its current price of $101.

Conversely, Ethereum did not experience a comparable price drop during the same period. Its average cost is logged at $2,162.52, which is close to its current market price, thereby limiting potential returns. Even when examining data starting from January 2022, when Solana was priced at $178.96 and Ethereum at $3,781.81, Solana still yielded a return of 96.5%, while Ethereum's return was only 7.4%. This suggests that Solana's advantage is not solely attributable to its lower 2021 entry point, and analysts expect this trend to continue into 2026.

Both cryptocurrencies have experienced significant declines since their respective peaks in 2025. Solana reached a high of $262.09 on January 18, 2025, at which point the initial investment was valued at approximately $55,814—more than double its original value. Ethereum peaked at $4,817.76 on August 22, 2025, with the initial investment valued at $15,595. Both cryptocurrencies have since retraced much of their gains.

While a monthly investment strategy simplifies the purchasing process, the ultimate success hinges on when the investor decides to sell. Investors who remain committed throughout market downturns may experience both ups and downs.

In terms of profitability, Solana clearly outperforms Ethereum. The total investment of $7,000 in Solana has grown to around $21,779, while the same amount in Ethereum has only increased to approximately $7,598. The larger price fluctuations in Solana have benefited monthly investors, unlike Ethereum, which has seen limited growth, thus posing greater risk. Ethereum's average cost serves as a critical breakeven point; should it fall below $2,162.52, the investment could dip below the initial amount invested. On October 26, 2026, Ethereum's 30-day low was recorded at $2,320.67, indicating that the breakeven point is precariously close, even with some recovery anticipated next year.

Solana, on the other hand, has more buffer before facing potential issues, given its average cost of $32.87. Currently, Solana is trading below its 50-day average of $109.41 but above its 200-day average of $88.62. If it manages to rise above $109.41, the disparity between the two investments could increase further, maintaining momentum toward levels predicted by the end of 2026. However, a drop below $88.62 could narrow Solana's lead just as quickly.

For further inquiries or corrections, please contact [email protected]