City Profile
Tefé, Amazonas
Brazil · Comprehensive city data and intelligence
Tefé, located in the heart of the Brazilian Amazon in the state of Amazonas, is a municipality with a rich history dating back to its founding as a mission in 1718. Originally known as Vila de Ega, it has evolved into a significant regional center, despite a substantial reduction in its original territory. The city is situated on a peninsula formed by the Xidarinim stream and the dark waters of Lake Tefé, surrounded by lush Amazonian rainforest. People are drawn to Tefé for its unique connection to nature, its role as a hub for bioeconomy initiatives, and its cultural heritage rooted in indigenous and traditional communities. The city's strategic location on the Solimões River also makes it a vital point for transportation and commerce in the region.
Amazonas, Brazil, the largest Brazilian state by area, is predominantly covered by the Amazon rainforest, characterized by a hot, humid, tropical climate with average annual temperatures around 27°C (81°F) and distinct wet and dry seasons. The economy primarily revolves around the Manaus Free Trade Zone, which attracts manufacturing industries like electronics and motorcycles through tax incentives, though extractive industries such as Brazil nuts and rosewood oil also contribute. Living in the capital city, Manaus, offers a blend of urban amenities and unparalleled access to nature, with a cost of living generally considered affordable compared to other major Brazilian cities, averaging around $800 per month for a single person. Outside of Manaus, much of the state remains dense jungle, with many communities along navigable waterways accessible mainly by boat or plane, and a lifestyle often closely tied to traditional practices and the natural environment.
How this 72/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
| Component | Readings used | Points | Weight | Contributes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | Safety score: 72 / 100 | 72.0 | 30% | 21.6 |
| Affordability | No usable reading — dataset average used | 75.1 | 25% | 18.8 |
| Economy & jobs | Median household income: no usable reading Income needed to live here: no usable reading Unemployment rate: 5.97% | 50.4 | 20% | 10.1 |
| Growth | Population growth rate: 2.9% Job growth rate: no usable reading | 97.5 | 15% | 14.6 |
| Business climate assessment | Business climate assessment: 68 / 100 | 68.0 | 10% | 6.8 |
| Overall score | 71.9 | |||
Provenance.
These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as
Tier 1 (fast) (q=66, partial — below threshold), last refreshed
12 September 2026.
They are researched estimates drawn from public sources, not a licensed data feed.
Each component is scored against fixed published endpoints, so this number is comparable with any other city and does not move as the dataset grows. Scoring framework 2026.10 — full methodology, weights and accepted ranges.
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Cost of Living
Tefé is considered a relatively inexpensive city compared to global and even national averages. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person, excluding rent, is around $563.6, and for a family of four, it's approximately $2,057.0. This affordability is significantly lower than in many other Brazilian cities and considerably less than in the United States. The cost of living is driven by local availability of goods and services, with a strong emphasis on locally sourced products and traditional economies.
Income
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The economy of Tefé is deeply intertwined with the Amazon's natural resources, focusing on bioeconomy principles. Key economic activities include sustainable forest management, traditional extractive practices, family farming, and artisanal fishing. The region is strategically important for the Amazonian bioeconomy, aiming to generate income and improve quality of life through forest-based industries. Initiatives like the 'Programa Cidade Empreendedora' aim to strengthen local businesses and promote sustainable economic development. The city is also a hub for parliamentary amendments, indicating significant investment and development focus.
The average salary in Tefé is $658 per year. You would need approximately $564 to live comfortably.
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Transport
Transportation in Tefé is primarily river-based, given its location on the Solimões River and Lake Tefé. Access to the city is mainly by boat or airplane, as there are no direct road connections to the state capital, Manaus. Within the city, local transport likely relies on smaller boats, motorcycles, and possibly some local buses or vans. Walkability and transit scores are not readily available, but the reliance on riverine transport suggests a lower car dependency for inter-city travel.
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