Is San Jose, CA affordable on a $3,550,000 salary?
YES
On $3,550,000/yr, the typical $1,610,466 home in San Jose, CA needs $475,618/yr ($11,098/mo). Your gap: +$3,074,382 — housing would be 3.8% of your gross income.
The math
1,610,466 price − 10% down (161,047) = 1,449,419 loan
30-yr fixed at 6.49% on 1,449,419 = 9,152/mo principal+interest
+ 1,946/mo est. taxes+insurance (1.45%/yr of value — national placeholder)
11,098/mo PITI ÷ 0.28 = 39,635/mo → 475,618/yr required
against Zillow ZHVI 2026-05 and the 6.49% FRED 30-yr rate (2026-06-25).
What salary WOULD clear San Jose, CA?
You need about $475,618/yr for the typical home. On $3,550,000 you already clear it by $3,074,382.