Is Birmingham, AL affordable on a $1,550,000 salary?
YES
On $1,550,000/yr, the typical $262,556 home in Birmingham, AL needs $77,407/yr ($1,806/mo). Your gap: +$1,472,593 — housing would be 1.4% of your gross income.
The math
262,556 price − 10% down (26,256) = 236,300 loan
30-yr fixed at 6.47% on 236,300 = 1,489/mo principal+interest
+ 317/mo est. taxes+insurance (1.45%/yr of value — national placeholder)
1,806/mo PITI ÷ 0.28 = 6,451/mo → 77,407/yr required
against Zillow ZHVI 2026-05 and the 6.47% FRED 30-yr rate (2026-06-18).
What salary WOULD clear Birmingham, AL?
You need about $77,407/yr for the typical home. On $1,550,000 you already clear it by $1,472,593.