Is Des Moines, IA affordable on a $1,000,000 salary?
YES
On $1,000,000/yr, the typical $292,513 home in Des Moines, IA needs $91,581/yr ($2,137/mo). Your gap: +$908,419 — housing would be 2.6% of your gross income.
The math
292,513 price − 10% down (29,251) = 263,262 loan
30-yr fixed at 7.18% on 263,262 = 1,783/mo principal+interest
+ 353/mo est. taxes+insurance (1.45%/yr of value — national placeholder)
2,137/mo PITI ÷ 0.28 = 7,632/mo → 91,581/yr required
against Zillow ZHVI 2026-09 and the 7.18% FRED 30-yr rate (2026-11-05).
What salary WOULD clear Des Moines, IA?
You need about $91,581/yr for the typical home. On $1,000,000 you already clear it by $908,419.