City Profile
Catalão, Goiás
Brazil · Comprehensive city data and intelligence
Catalão is a prominent municipality located in the southeastern part of the state of Goiás, Brazil. Known as one of the state's major economic powerhouses, the city has evolved from a historic agricultural hub into a dynamic industrial and mining center. People are increasingly drawn to Catalão for its robust job market, strategic geographic location near major interstate corridors, and a thriving educational sector that attracts students from across the region.
Goiás is a rapidly developing state in south-central Brazil, known as the "Brazilian Kansas" due to its strong agribusiness sector. The economy is primarily driven by agriculture, particularly soybeans, corn, sugarcane, and livestock, alongside a growing industrial sector that includes automotive, construction, and pharmaceuticals, with services also playing a significant role. The climate is subtropical with distinct wet (October-March) and dry (April-September) seasons, and average monthly temperatures ranging from 72°F (22°C) to 78°F (26°C). Living in the capital, Goiânia, offers a high quality of life with abundant green spaces and a vibrant cultural scene, generally at a lower cost than major Brazilian cities like São Paulo or Rio de Janeiro.
How this 78/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
| Component | Readings used | Points | Weight | Contributes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | Safety score: 70 / 100 | 70.0 | 30% | 21.0 |
| Affordability | Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 42.0 | 100.0 | 25% | 25.0 |
| Economy & jobs | Median household income: $11,500 Income needed to live here: $7,000 Unemployment rate: 5.8% | 76.3 | 20% | 15.3 |
| Growth | Population growth rate: 1.5% Job growth rate: 2.3% | 64.3 | 15% | 9.6 |
| Business climate assessment | Business climate assessment: 74 / 100 | 74.0 | 10% | 7.4 |
| Overall score | 78.3 | |||
Provenance.
These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as
Tier 1 (fast) (q=52, partial — below threshold), last refreshed
15 October 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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Performance
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Cost of Living
The cost of living in Catalão is generally favorable compared to major metropolitan hubs like Goiânia or Brasília, reflecting typical interior Goiás pricing while remaining slightly elevated due to local economic prosperity. Housing, locally sourced food, and basic services are relatively affordable, though industrial growth and a strong mining sector put upward pressure on real estate demand. Overall, residents enjoy a balanced cost-to-income ratio that supports a comfortable middle-class lifestyle.
Income
Salary Insights
Catalão boasts a highly diversified and resilient economy anchored by agribusiness, extensive phosphate and niobium mining, and automotive manufacturing, including a major assembly presence by multinational corporations. The city serves as a key commercial hub for the surrounding region, offering steady employment opportunities in industry, logistics, and higher education. While the remote work scene is growing among tech professionals, the traditional manufacturing and corporate sectors remain the primary drivers of employment.
The average salary in Catalão is $9,500 per year. You would need approximately $7,000 to live comfortably.
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Transport
Getting around Catalão is primarily car-centric, supplemented by local bus routes and a network of taxis and ride-sharing services. The city's street grid is relatively well-planned, though peak hours see moderate traffic congestion around major industrial exits and commercial corridors. Its strategic location along federal highways facilitates easy travel to Goiânia, Uberlândia, and Brasília.
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