City Profile
Pinheiro, Maranhão
Brazil · Comprehensive city data and intelligence
Pinheiro is a prominent municipality located in the state of Maranhão, Brazil, situated within the Baixada Maranhense microregion. Known as a major commercial and political hub for the northern part of the state, it serves as a central point connecting various surrounding rural and riverine communities. The city carries a rich cultural heritage tied closely to the geography of the Baixada, featuring traditional local festivals, regional cuisine, and a strong sense of community identity rooted in its historical role as a regional trade center.
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.
How this 60/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
| Component | Readings used | Points | Weight | Contributes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | Safety score: 60 / 100 | 60.0 | 30% | 18.0 |
| Affordability | Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 45.0 | 100.0 | 25% | 25.0 |
| Economy & jobs | Median household income: $5,400 Income needed to live here: no usable reading Unemployment rate: 8.5% | 18.8 | 20% | 3.8 |
| Growth | Population growth rate: 0.9% Job growth rate: 1.5% | 48.8 | 15% | 7.3 |
| Business climate assessment | Business climate assessment: 58 / 100 | 58.0 | 10% | 5.8 |
| Overall score | 59.9 | |||
Provenance.
These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as
Tier 1 (fast) (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.
Featured Events
Happening in Pinheiro
Featured and sponsored events in Pinheiro.
Local Directory
Businesses in Pinheiro
Featured local businesses in Pinheiro.
Performance
Quality Scores
Expenses
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Pinheiro is generally lower than the national Brazilian average, reflecting the economic realities of the interior of Maranhão. Everyday expenses such as local produce, street markets, and basic services are quite affordable, though manufactured goods, imported items, and specialized healthcare services can carry a premium due to transportation logistics from larger metropolitan areas like São Luís. Housing costs, whether renting or buying, are moderate compared to coastal state capitals, making basic living expenses manageable for residents with steady local income.
Income
Salary Insights
Pinheiro's economy is largely driven by public administration, commerce, agriculture, and livestock production, alongside regional services that support the surrounding Baixada Maranhense area. As a regional hub, retail trade and public sector employment account for a significant portion of formal jobs, while surrounding rural zones contribute to cattle ranching and localized farming. Remote work infrastructure exists primarily through mobile networks and local broadband providers, though traditional on-site employment in commerce and public services remains the predominant driver of the local job market.
The average salary in Pinheiro is $450 per year. You would need approximately $380 to live comfortably.
Employment
Top Industries
Weather
Climate
Mobility
Transport
Getting around Pinheiro relies heavily on personal vehicles, motorcycles, local mototaxis, and municipal minibuses or vans connecting neighborhoods and nearby rural routes. Walkability is favorable within the central commercial districts, though outer residential areas often lack fully paved sidewalks or dedicated pedestrian infrastructure. Driving is relatively straightforward outside of peak hours in the main commercial corridors.
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Advantages
Drawbacks
Head to Head
Compare Pinheiro
Community Q&A
Questions about Pinheiro
What people ask about living in and moving to Pinheiro, Maranhão.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Free Quotes
Get quotes from local pros in Pinheiro
Tell us what you need and we’ll pass it to companies that serve your area. It’s free, and there’s no obligation.
Compare Pinheiro with any city
See how it stacks up on cost, income, and quality of life.
Start Comparing