Is Des Moines, IA affordable on a $3,475,000 salary?
YES
On $3,475,000/yr, the typical $296,070 home in Des Moines, IA needs $87,438/yr ($2,040/mo). Your gap: +$3,387,562 — housing would be 0.7% of your gross income.
The math
296,070 price − 10% down (29,607) = 266,463 loan
30-yr fixed at 6.49% on 266,463 = 1,682/mo principal+interest
+ 358/mo est. taxes+insurance (1.45%/yr of value — national placeholder)
2,040/mo PITI ÷ 0.28 = 7,287/mo → 87,438/yr required
against Zillow ZHVI 2026-05 and the 6.49% FRED 30-yr rate (2026-06-25).
What salary WOULD clear Des Moines, IA?
You need about $87,438/yr for the typical home. On $3,475,000 you already clear it by $3,387,562.