City Profile
Duque de Caxias, Rio de Janeiro
Brazil · Comprehensive city data and intelligence
Duque de Caxias is a major municipality located in the Baixada Fluminense region of Rio de Janeiro state, serving as a vital industrial and logistical powerhouse just north of Rio de Janeiro city. Founded in the 20th century and named after the Patron of the Brazilian Army, the city evolved from a swampy rural area into a bustling urban center driven by heavy industry and commerce. Today, it attracts residents looking for proximity to the capital while offering a distinct local identity characterized by its strong manufacturing base and working-class community spirit.
Rio de Janeiro, known as the "Marvelous City," is Brazil's second-most populous city, celebrated for its stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture, and relaxed lifestyle. The city's economy is diverse and service-oriented, with major industries including tourism, finance, trade, and oil and gas, benefiting from its significant port and proximity to offshore oil fields. Living in Rio generally offers a tropical climate with hot, humid summers and warm, sunny winters, though high humidity is common year-round. While the cost of living can vary significantly by neighborhood and lifestyle, it is generally considered more affordable than major cities in Europe or the United States, with average monthly expenses for a single person ranging from approximately $1,120 to $1,446, excluding rent. Cariocas, as residents are known, embrace a laid-back, social lifestyle, often enjoying beaches, outdoor activities, and a lively cultural scene.
How this 61/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
| Component | Readings used | Points | Weight | Contributes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | Safety score: 48 / 100 | 48.0 | 30% | 14.4 |
| Affordability | Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 42.0 | 100.0 | 25% | 25.0 |
| Economy & jobs | Median household income: $9,100 Income needed to live here: $7,200 Unemployment rate: 7.8% | 42.7 | 20% | 8.5 |
| Growth | Population growth rate: 0.8% Job growth rate: 1.5% | 47.5 | 15% | 7.1 |
| Business climate assessment | Business climate assessment: 58 / 100 | 58.0 | 10% | 5.8 |
| Overall score | 60.9 | |||
Provenance.
These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as
Gemini (ungrounded) (q=54, 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.
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Cost of Living
The cost of living in Duque de Caxias is notably lower than the national average and significantly below typical Western standards, making everyday expenses manageable for those earning in stable currencies. Basic expenses such as local food markets, public transportation, and neighborhood services remain affordable, though imported goods and central housing can strain local budgets. Utility costs and housing rentals vary widely depending on the neighborhood, with more secure gated communities commanding higher prices than standard urban sectors.
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The job market in Duque de Caxias is heavily anchored by the petrochemical sector, notably due to the presence of the Duque de Caxias Refinery (REDUC), which drives significant industrial employment and ancillary supplier businesses. Beyond oil and gas, the city features a robust manufacturing, logistics, and retail sector given its strategic positioning along major highway corridors connecting Rio de Janeiro to the rest of Brazil. While formal employment opportunities exist in these sectors, informal labor remains prevalent, and remote work infrastructure is growing primarily for professionals commuting or connecting digitally to Rio de Janeiro.
The average salary in Duque de Caxias is $8,500 per year. You would need approximately $7,200 to live comfortably.
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Getting around Duque de Caxias relies heavily on a mix of local bus networks, commuter rail lines, and major highways like the Washington Luís highway connecting to Rio de Janeiro. Walkability varies considerably by neighborhood, with central commercial areas offering pedestrian-friendly corridors while peripheral districts require vehicular or bus transport. Traffic congestion can be heavy during peak commuting hours, especially along key industrial transit corridors.
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