City Profile
Bonito, Mato Grosso do Sul
Brazil · Comprehensive city data and intelligence
Bonito is a globally recognized municipality located in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, renowned internationally as the capital of ecotourism. Originally founded as a small agricultural and cattle-raising settlement on the lands of the old Rincão Bonito farm, the city has evolved into a premier destination for sustainable travel. Characterized by its crystal-clear rivers, subterranean caves, and lush vegetation, Bonito attracts nature lovers, conservationists, and lifestyle migrants looking for a tranquil environment deeply connected to natural wonders.
Mato Grosso do Sul is a Brazilian state in the Central-West Region, known for its diverse ecosystems, including a portion of the Pantanal wetlands, and a strong agribusiness economy. The state's economy is largely driven by agriculture and cattle-raising, with major exports including soybeans, pork, chicken, beef, and timber, alongside a growing industrial sector in pulp and paper, and biofuels. The climate is generally warm and humid, with a hot and rainy summer from December to February and a cooler, drier winter from June to August. The cost of living in Mato Grosso do Sul is moderate, with an estimated average monthly cost of R$3,330 (approximately $615 USD) for a single person, excluding rent, and housing and supermarket expenses often being higher than the national average.
How this 78/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
| Component | Readings used | Points | Weight | Contributes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | Safety score: 82 / 100 | 82.0 | 30% | 24.6 |
| Affordability | Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 52.0 | 100.0 | 25% | 25.0 |
| Economy & jobs | Median household income: $12,500 Income needed to live here: $9,500 Unemployment rate: 5.2% | 62.2 | 20% | 12.4 |
| Growth | Population growth rate: 1.4% Job growth rate: 2.3% | 63.0 | 15% | 9.5 |
| Business climate assessment | Business climate assessment: 68 / 100 | 68.0 | 10% | 6.8 |
| Overall score | 78.3 | |||
Provenance.
These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as
Gemini (ungrounded) (q=55, partial — below threshold), last refreshed
12 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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Cost of Living
The cost of living in Bonito is influenced heavily by its status as a major tourism hub, leading to consumer prices that can edge slightly higher than typical rural municipalities in Brazil, though still moderate compared to major state capitals like Campo Grande. While local services, fresh agriculture, and housing outside the main tourist strips remain reasonably priced, imported goods, specialized hospitality amenities, and high-end dining carry a premium driven by seasonal tourism demand. Utilities and basic grocery expenses align closely with national averages for Brazil's Center-West region.
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Bonito's economy rests primarily on two pillars: sustainable ecotourism and robust agribusiness, specifically cattle ranching and the cultivation of soybeans and maize. Tourism and hospitality drive a large share of service-sector employment, including guiding, hotel management, and adventure recreation. While formal job growth is steady, seasonal fluctuations in tourism can influence local employment patterns, leading to a rising remote work and digital nomad presence attracted by the high quality of natural surroundings and peaceful atmosphere.
The average salary in Bonito is $11,500 per year. You would need approximately $9,500 to live comfortably.
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Getting around Bonito relies heavily on personal vehicles, bicycles, and local taxi or van services tailored to tourists and residents alike. Public transit options are minimal, making a car or motorcycle beneficial for daily commuting or exploring rural attractions and surrounding national parks. The town core itself is compact and pedestrian-friendly, with comfortable walkability for daily errands within central neighborhoods.
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