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Barcarena, Pará

Brazil · Comprehensive city data and intelligence

70
Overall Score

Barcarena is a strategic municipality located in the state of Pará, Brazil, situated within the metropolitan area of Belém. Historically driven by its advantageous geographic position along the Pará River, the city has evolved into a major industrial and port hub in the Amazon region. People are drawn to the area due to its robust industrial employment opportunities, particularly in mineral processing and maritime logistics. The municipality combines urbanized industrial districts with rich natural riverine landscapes, offering a unique blend of heavy economic activity and traditional Amazonian culture.

About Pará

Pará is Brazil's second-largest state by area, located in the northern region and encompassing the mouth of the Amazon River. Its economy is heavily reliant on natural resource exploitation and agriculture, with major industries including mining (iron ore, gold, bauxite), and the production of cassava, açaí, pineapple, and black pepper. The climate is equatorial, characterized by consistent heat, high humidity, and frequent rainfall, with an average annual temperature of 26°C (78°F). While the cost of living varies, a single person's estimated monthly expenses in the capital, Belém, are around R$ 6,232 (approximately $1,200 USD), excluding rent, and the lifestyle offers a blend of urban amenities in cities and a slower pace closer to nature in smaller communities.

129,000
Population
$10K
Avg Salary
55
Cost Index
70.5
Quality Score
How this 70/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
Component Readings used Points Weight Contributes
Safety Safety score: 62 / 100 62.0 30% 18.6
Affordability Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 55.0 100.0 25% 25.0
Economy & jobs Median household income: $11,000 Income needed to live here: $7,500 Unemployment rate: 8.5% 51.0 20% 10.2
Growth Population growth rate: 1.5% Job growth rate: 2.3% 64.3 15% 9.6
Business climate assessment Business climate assessment: 70 / 100 70.0 10% 7.0
Overall score 70.4

Provenance. These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as Tier 1 (fast) (q=52, partial — below threshold), last refreshed 16 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.

Businesses in Barcarena

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Quality Scores

Business
70
Livability
66
Affordability
75
Growth
69

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Barcarena is generally moderate compared to major Brazilian state capitals, though certain goods and services can be influenced by its industrial profile and logistical demands. Housing and local produce can be relatively affordable, while imported goods or specific urban services reflect standard regional pricing. Utility costs are typical for northern Brazil, where air conditioning and cooling demands heavily influence monthly household energy expenditures.

Average Rent
$450/mo
Groceries
$300/mo
Transport
$100/mo
Utilities
$120/mo
Healthcare
$150/mo
Gym membership (monthly)
$30.00
Cinema ticket
$6.00
Restaurant meal (mid-range)
$12.00
Monthly groceries
$250.00
Doctor visit (without insurance)
$60.00

Salary Insights

Barcarena's economy is heavily anchored by heavy industry, metallurgy, mining export logistics, and port operations. Major global companies operate facilities in the area, processing bauxite and producing alumina and aluminum, which drives a significant portion of local employment. While technical and industrial engineering jobs are prominent, the service sector, retail, and hospitality also contribute to the local job market to support the industrial workforce.

The average salary in Barcarena is $9,500 per year. You would need approximately $7,500 to live comfortably.

Top Industries

Construction +2.00% Retail and Commerce +1.90% Public Administration and Services +1.20% Mining and Metallurgy +2.40% Port Logistics and Shipping +3.10%

Climate

🌡️
27°C
Avg Temp
☀️
31°C
Summer High
❄️
23°C
Winter Low
🌧️
97.00"
Annual Rain
💧
85.00%
Humidity
🌤️
57
Sunny Days

Transport

Transportation in Barcarena relies heavily on road networks connecting to the Belém metropolitan region and river transport via ferry and boat services. Automobile and motorcycle ownership are common for daily commuting to industrial plants and commercial sectors. Public bus networks serve urban and inter-municipal routes, though waterway transport remains essential for connecting with surrounding islands and river communities.

32 min
Avg Commute
48.00/10
Transit Score
52.00/10
Walkability
Medium
Car Dependency

Pros & Cons

Advantages
Strategic port and industrial hub providing robust employment in metallurgy and logistics per IBGE data.
Lower overall housing costs compared to neighboring Belém.
Rich Amazonian biodiversity and direct access to river tourism and traditional cuisine.
Active municipal investments in infrastructure to support the growing industrial workforce.
Proximity to the metropolitan market of Belém while maintaining a distinct local identity.
Drawbacks
Heavy industrial activity presents environmental and sustainability management challenges.
Traffic congestion during peak shift changes around major industrial plants.
Reliance on neighboring Belém for highly specialized medical procedures.
Warm and humid tropical climate requires continuous cooling, impacting utility expenses.
Vulnerability of certain areas to severe seasonal rainfall and tropical storm conditions.

Questions about Barcarena

What people ask about living in and moving to Barcarena, Pará.

How expensive is food in Barcarena compared to other Pará cities? Cost of Living 1 answer

Food costs in Barcarena are generally lower than in larger Pará cities. Fresh produce from local markets is affordable, while imported goods can be pricier. Dining out at casual restaurants is cheaper than in Belém, with typical meals ranging from modest to moderate prices. For a detailed comparison, check local supermarket price lists and community forums where residents share weekly costs.

What types of housing are common in Barcarena for families? Housing 1 answer

Barcarena offers a mix of single-family homes and low-rise apartment complexes. Many families prefer detached houses with small yards in residential zones near schools and parks. Rental rates vary by proximity to commercial areas, but overall housing is more affordable than in larger urban centers. Look at local real‑estate listings and community bulletin boards for available units and price ranges.

What are the main job sectors in Barcarena? Jobs & Economy 1 answer

The economy of Barcarena is driven by maritime trade, fishing, and agriculture. Logistics, port operations, and supply chain roles are prominent due to the port facilities. Additionally, there are employment opportunities in local manufacturing, retail, and public services. Job seekers can consult the city’s employment office and online job boards that list openings in these sectors.

What educational options are available for my children? Schools & Education 1 answer

Barcarena provides a network of public elementary and middle schools, as well as private institutions that offer a range of curricula. Most schools are located near residential areas, and some offer extracurricular activities. For enrollment procedures and school performance data, refer to the municipal education department’s website or local parent groups that discuss school quality.

Is Barcarena safe for families, especially at night? Safety 1 answer

Barcarena has a relatively low crime rate compared to larger Pará cities, but like any growing town, some areas experience petty theft. Neighborhoods with active community watch groups and regular police patrols tend to be safer. It’s advisable to stay in well‑lit streets and avoid isolated spots after dark. Local community newsletters often report on safety initiatives and neighborhood watch meetings.

How do I get around the city without a car? Getting Around 1 answer

Barcarena has a modest public bus network that connects residential areas with commercial centers and the port. Buses run on fixed routes and schedules that are posted at major stops. For shorter distances, walking or cycling is common, especially in the downtown area. Check the city transit authority’s timetable and route maps for the most current information.

What healthcare facilities are nearby for routine check‑ups? Healthcare 1 answer

The city hosts several general clinics and a regional hospital that provide primary care, diagnostics, and emergency services. Most clinics are located near the city center and serve the surrounding neighborhoods. For appointment scheduling and service details, consult the local health department’s online portal or visit the clinics directly.

What recreational activities are popular in Barcarena? Things to Do 1 answer

Barcarena offers beach access, fishing trips, and river excursions that appeal to outdoor enthusiasts. The city also hosts seasonal festivals celebrating local culture and cuisine. Community centers and parks provide spaces for sports like soccer and volleyball. Local event calendars posted by the municipal office or community groups list upcoming activities.

What steps should I follow to legally register my new address? Moving Here 1 answer

Upon arrival, you should register your residence with the municipal civil registry office. Bring identification, proof of address (such as a lease agreement or utility bill), and a birth or marriage certificate if applicable. The registration process updates your voter registration, tax records, and access to local services. Check the city’s official website for required forms and office hours.

How does the climate affect daily life in Barcarena? General 1 answer

Barcarena has a tropical climate with high humidity and significant rainfall throughout the year. Summers are hot and wet, while winters are milder but still humid. This climate influences building materials, ventilation needs, and outdoor activity schedules. Residents often use lightweight, breathable clothing and plan outdoor events during the drier periods. Local weather stations provide daily forecasts that help...

Some answers here were drafted as a starting point and may be out of date. Live in Barcarena? Add your own.

Frequently Asked Questions

The consumer market basket tracks everyday necessities, including staple grocery items (such as milk, bread, eggs, and produce), residential energy bills (electricity, gas, and water), public and private transit costs, routine outpatient medical care, and standard consumer goods and services to ensure a representative monthly budget.

Even in close geographic proximity, local tax jurisdictions, municipal utility rates, zoning laws, and micro-housing markets can create wide cost discrepancies. For example, a city with strict land-use regulations or higher local sales taxes will typically exhibit elevated housing and consumer goods costs compared to an adjacent county with looser zoning and lower tax burdens.

Even in close geographic proximity, local tax jurisdictions, municipal utility rates, zoning laws, and micro-housing markets can create wide cost discrepancies. For example, a city with strict land-use regulations or higher local sales taxes will typically exhibit elevated housing and consumer goods costs compared to an adjacent county with looser zoning and lower tax burdens.

Local tax climates significantly shift a city's affordability score by directly affecting disposable income. Urblytica factors in state income tax brackets, local municipal property tax millage rates, and combined sales taxes to measure the true tax drag on median household earnings.

Core economic indexes and consumer price metrics undergo a comprehensive quarterly recalibration. This update cycle integrates the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) releases, municipal utility rate adjustments, and regional housing data feeds to ensure all index comparisons reflect current economic conditions.

Housing is weighted as the single largest component in Urblytica's cost-of-living algorithm, typically accounting for roughly 30% to 35% of the composite score. It incorporates both median monthly gross rent and median single-family home purchase prices relative to local median income levels.

Normalization involves adjusting raw economic inputs against localized purchasing power parities (PPPs) and population-weighted density scales. This ensures fair, apples-to-apples comparisons between dense metropolitan hubs and smaller suburban or rural towns.

Utility indexing applies a rolling annual average that captures seasonal climate variations, such as increased summer air conditioning loads in southern climates or heavier winter heating demands in northern regions, providing a realistic year-round average utility expense.

Remote workers leverage the index to calculate real purchasing power parity when moving from a high-cost-of-living area to a lower-cost region. By comparing index differentials against their fixed salary, users can determine if their net savings and lifestyle quality will improve post-relocation.

While the raw Cost of Living Index measures pure expense levels, it is frequently paired with Urblytica’s local wage index and median household income benchmarks. This combined view highlights whether local salaries keep pace with local consumer goods and housing expenses.

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