Is San Jose, CA affordable on a $1,500,000 salary?
YES
On $1,500,000/yr, the typical $1,610,466 home in San Jose, CA needs $474,802/yr ($11,079/mo). Your gap: +$1,025,198 — housing would be 8.9% of your gross income.
The math
1,610,466 price − 10% down (161,047) = 1,449,419 loan
30-yr fixed at 6.47% on 1,449,419 = 9,133/mo principal+interest
+ 1,946/mo est. taxes+insurance (1.45%/yr of value — national placeholder)
11,079/mo PITI ÷ 0.28 = 39,567/mo → 474,802/yr required
against Zillow ZHVI 2026-05 and the 6.47% FRED 30-yr rate (2026-06-18).
What salary WOULD clear San Jose, CA?
You need about $474,802/yr for the typical home. On $1,500,000 you already clear it by $1,025,198.