City Profile
Cacoal, Rondônia
Brazil · Comprehensive city data and intelligence
Cacoal is a prominent municipality in the state of Rondônia, Brazil, known as the 'Capital do Café' (Coffee Capital) due to its strong agricultural roots. Established formally in the late 20th century during the colonization of the Amazon region, the city has evolved into a vital economic, educational, and healthcare hub for central Rondônia. People are drawn to Cacoal for its growing commercial sector, higher education institutions, and a dynamic urban environment nestled within the northern region of Brazil.
The city balances urban development with its natural surroundings, featuring organized street layouts, pleasant public squares, and commercial districts that cater to a population of over 80,000 residents. As a regional hub, it connects smaller surrounding municipalities to services, retail, and professional opportunities. The local community is welcoming, blending traditional Amazonian culture with influences from migrants who settled the area from southern and southeastern Brazil.
Rondônia is a Brazilian state in the North Region, characterized by its Amazonian environment, though much of its forest has been cleared since the 1970s for development. The economy is heavily reliant on agriculture and livestock, with major exports including soybeans, frozen and fresh beef, corn, and coffee, alongside mineral extraction like cassiterite (tin ore). Living in Rondônia generally involves a tropical humid climate with high temperatures year-round, and while specific cost of living varies by city, places like Porto Velho and Rondonopolis are considered among the less expensive cities in Brazil. The lifestyle often reflects a blend of frontier history and Amazonian culture, with a focus on agricultural activities and a developing urban infrastructure.
How this 75/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
| Component | Readings used | Points | Weight | Contributes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | Safety score: 68 / 100 | 68.0 | 30% | 20.4 |
| Affordability | Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 45.0 | 100.0 | 25% | 25.0 |
| Economy & jobs | Median household income: $11,500 Income needed to live here: $7,500 Unemployment rate: 6.2% | 69.6 | 20% | 13.9 |
| Growth | Population growth rate: 1.1% Job growth rate: 2.2% | 58.3 | 15% | 8.7 |
| Business climate assessment | Business climate assessment: 67 / 100 | 67.0 | 10% | 6.7 |
| Overall score | 74.8 | |||
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.
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Cost of Living
The cost of living in Cacoal is generally lower than the national average of major Brazilian metropolitan centers like São Paulo or Rio de Janeiro, making it an attractive destination for families and professionals. Essential goods, local produce, and housing tend to be quite affordable, reflecting the regional economic context of Rondônia. While imported goods and specialized services can carry a premium due to transportation logistics into the northern region, everyday expenses remain manageable for the average earner.
Housing costs, whether renting an apartment or purchasing real estate, offer better value compared to coastal state capitals. Utility costs, including electricity and internet, align with national averages for mid-sized Brazilian cities. Dining out and local entertainment are reasonably priced, allowing residents to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without excessive financial strain.
Income
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Cacoal's economy is driven by agriculture, particularly coffee production, cattle ranching, and forestry, alongside a rapidly expanding service and retail sector. As a regional hub, the city hosts numerous wholesale and retail businesses, financial institutions, and agricultural supply firms that support the surrounding countryside. Healthcare and education also serve as major employment pillars, providing stable professional opportunities through regional hospitals and colleges.
While traditional sectors dominate, the city has seen incremental growth in digital services and small businesses. The remote work scene is emerging slowly, supported by improving broadband infrastructure throughout the urban core. Entrepreneurial ventures find a receptive market given Cacoal's role as a commercial center for the surrounding municipalities.
The average salary in Cacoal is $9,500 per year. You would need approximately $7,500 to live comfortably.
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Getting around Cacoal is primarily accomplished by car, motorcycle, or local taxi and ride-sharing services, as the city relies heavily on personal vehicular transport. The urban grid is well-planned, making navigation straightforward, though traffic can become congested during peak hours around commercial corridors. Public transit consists mainly of local bus routes connecting key neighborhoods.
Walkability is moderate within the central business district, where sidewalks and pedestrian crossings facilitate foot traffic for daily errands. However, reaching outer residential zones or industrial areas typically requires a vehicle. Cycling is also common, particularly among students and younger residents commuting shorter distances.
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