City Profile
Açailândia, Maranhão
Brazil · Comprehensive city data and intelligence
Açailândia, located in the western part of Maranhão, Brazil, is a municipality recognized for its significant agro-industrial presence and strategic location. The city serves as an important hub, intersected by two major federal highways, BR-222 and BR-010, which contribute to its logistical importance and commercial flow. Founded on June 6, 1981, Açailândia has grown to become the eighth most populous municipality in the state. Its economy is primarily driven by the steel industry, particularly the export of pig iron, and a robust agribusiness sector. The city's dynamic environment attracts individuals seeking opportunities in these key sectors, contributing to its youthful demographic profile.
Maranhão, a state in northern Brazil, is characterized by its heavily wooded, low-lying terrain and a long Atlantic coastline, with its capital, São Luís, situated on an island in a delta region. The economy is primarily driven by farming and cattle raising, with significant exports of palm oils and rice, alongside industries like food processing, steel manufacturing, and aluminum smelting concentrated in São Luís. The climate is hot and humid year-round, with a wet and a relatively dry season, and while specific cost of living data for the entire state is limited, São Luís is considered to have a lower cost of living compared to larger Brazilian cities, offering a lifestyle rich in Afro-Brazilian, Indigenous, and European cultural influences.
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Cost of Living
Comprehensive and recent data on the overall cost of living for Açailândia is limited, making a direct comparison to national averages challenging. While specific figures for housing, food, and utilities from reliable sources post-2024 are not readily available, the average remuneration for formal workers in 2025 was approximately R$ 3,106.25 per month. This suggests a local economy where costs are likely lower than major Brazilian metropolitan areas, but specific breakdowns are difficult to ascertain. The state of Maranhão generally has a lower per capita income compared to the national average, which could imply a more affordable cost of living in its municipalities, including Açailândia.
Income
Salary Insights
Açailândia's economy is largely propelled by its industrial and agribusiness sectors. The steel industry, with its focus on pig iron and long steel laminate production, remains a primary source of income and a significant employer. In 2025, the sectors employing the most workers included Public Administration, Retail Trade, and Forest Production. The city has shown a positive trend in new business creation, with a 9.4% increase in new businesses in 2024. Açailândia is recognized for its entrepreneurial climate, ranking among the top four cities in Maranhão for doing business. However, the job market experienced a negative balance in early 2026, with more dismissals than admissions, indicating some challenges in job growth.
The average salary in Açailândia is $7,306 per year.
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Transport
Public transportation in Açailândia primarily relies on bus services. The municipality has faced historical challenges in the organization, quality, and accessibility of its public transport system, leading to a new tender for bus services in 2022 to improve the infrastructure and operations. The city's location at the intersection of major highways means that road travel is a significant mode of transport, contributing to a considerable flow of vehicles. While there are efforts to enhance road safety, the reliance on personal vehicles and the ongoing development of public transit suggest a medium level of car dependency.
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