A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sendai vs. New York City for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Sendai or New York City?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sendai or New York City, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Sendai

Sendai is a lively, high energy, and vibrant city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and shopping. See Sendai travel costs.

New York City

New York City is a one-of-a-kind, vibrant, and energetic city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. New York City is a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the live music, food, and shopping. See New York City travel costs.

Sendai and New York City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sendai or New York City?

Tourists will generally find more to do in New York City than Sendai. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. New York City is very popular for its museums and attractions, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, christmas markets, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Sendai attracts visitors for its beaches. New York City is more touristy than Sendai and is known for its high-reaching skyscrapers, iconic landmarks, world-class theater scene, and endless energy. It is also well known for The Statue of Liberty. Sendai is famous for the Tanabata Festival, which is the largest of its kind and held every August.

How is Sendai different from New York City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between New York City and Sendai. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Sendai or New York City?

New York City is renowned for its museums and history. Also, Sendai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in New York City are world-renowned. The sights and museums around the city are too numerous to list, but some of the most famous include the Statue of Liberty, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, Central Park, and the Empire State Building. This is a city that is filled with iconic landmarks and you could spend weeks here and still not see it all.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Sendai. The city grew up as a castle town, and today the castle ruins are a popular tourist destination. A park surrounds the area, Aobayama Park, and while only the stonewalls remain, you can visit the Sendai City Museum in the park as well. Zuihoden Temple is another landmark worth visiting, as is the AER observation terrace.

Is Sendai or New York City Better for Theater?

New York City is renowned for its theatre productions. However, Sendai is not a theatre destination.

Famous for its theaters and plays, you'll find world-renowned shows in New York City. Visiting Broadway is a quintessential NYC experience. Whether you enjoy the theater or simply want to experience something new, seeing a Broadway show is a true bucket list activity.

Sendai is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Sendai or New York City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

New York City is renowned for its restaurants. Also, Sendai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, New York City is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The city has a diverse variety of restaurants, with everything from local dives to Michelin star options. There are many neighborhoods that are notable for their ethnic cuisine, particularly Little Italy and Chinatown. Quintessential NYC dishes include NYC pizza, NYC hot dogs, bagels, and Chinese dim sum.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Sendai area. There are a number of local specialties in the area and if you're an adventurous eater, then this is your place. Many of the dishes are influenced by the city's proximity to the ocean. Make sure you try the harako-meshi (rice with fish eggs), sea squirts, and sashimi. Another local favorite is beef tongue.

Is Sendai or New York City Better for Nightlife?

New York City is renowned for nightlife and partying. Also, Sendai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

New York City is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. Known as the city that never sleeps, you can be assured that NYC has some of the best nightlife in the world. There are world class bars and clubs, but also local venues that have a more relaxed atmosphere. Several famous clubs include Paul's Cocktail Lounge, Le Bain, and Avant Gardner.

The people in Sendai know how to have a good time. Head to Kokubuncho for the best nightlife scene in the area. This downtown neighborhood is filled with bars, clubs, and karaoke that come alive in the evening. For live music, check out Rensa, which is one of the city's largest live music venues.

Is Sendai or New York City Better for Music?

New York City is renowned for its live music scene. However, Sendai is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in New York City. Popular music venues include Music Hall of Williamsburg, Radio City Music Hall, Beacon Theatre, and Forest Hills Stadium.

Sendai is not a live music destination.

Is Sendai or New York City Better for Beaches?

Sendai is a good destination for its beaches. However, New York City is not a beach destination.

Sendai offers a nice beach destination. There are a number of beaches in the area, but for the best options you'll want to head a bit out of town.

New York City is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sendai or New York City?

New York City is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Sendai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, New York City draws large crowds to its stores. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. Head for Fifth Avenue for high end shopping or check out any of the many street markets for local items. New York is known for its many flea markets where you can find vintage items at a good price. And if you're looking to pick up a souvenir shirt or knick knack, there are plenty of souvenir shops around town as well.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Sendai. You'll find shopping arcades in the downtown area like Ichibancho, which is one of the most popular shopping districts in the city. If you head out of town towards the suburbs, you'll find malls and other outlet stores.

Is Sendai or New York City More Beautiful?

New York City is a nice place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Sendai is not a destination known for its beauty.

New York City is a beautiful place to visit, too. The beauty of the skyline at night or the views from the top of the Empire State Building will take your breath away.

Sendai is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Sendai or New York City Better for Families?

Sendai and New York City are both great destinations for the whole family.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Sendai is very family-friendly. The city has a number of green spaces that kids will enjoy including parks and playgrounds. There are also kid-focused museums like the Anpanman Children's Museum and the 3M Sendai City Science Museum. If the young ones really need a break from the history, you can check out Yagiyama Beny Land.

New York City is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has many activities for kids of all ages including world class museums, beautifully designed playgrounds, and theater shows designed just for young ones. There are many kid-friendly restaurants as well and older kids will enjoy visiting the iconic landmarks in this world-class city.

Is Sendai or New York City Better for Couples?

New York City is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Sendai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

New York City has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. From a beautiful carriage ride through Central Park, to a romantic river cruise at night, there is an endless list of unique activities that couples can enjoy in the city. Whether you're interested in theater, the arts, music, or nightlife, this city has it all.

Sendai is a good city for couples to visit. The city boasts beautiful temples as well as nice natural areas, parks, and gardens. If you have time to get out of town, Okama is a volcanic lake that is one of the most beautiful spots in the region, and well worth the excursion.

Is Sendai or New York City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

New York City is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Sendai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit New York City. It isn't a particularly budget-friendly destination, but it does get its share of backpackers, so you'll find a nice list of hostels and affordable hangouts that are perfect for the backpacker crowd. This is probably one of the most popular cities for backpackers in the entire United States.

Sendai is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a couple of hostels around the town and many of the activities are free as they involve strolling through parks or wandering down shopping streets.

Is Sendai or New York City Better for Students?

New York City is renowned for its student-friendly activities. However, Sendai is not popular with students.

New York City is a great destination for students. The city has a diverse population, and international students will feel right at home here exploring the city. There are also plenty of major universities including NYU, Columbia University, and Cornell University.

Sendai is not popular with students.

Is Sendai or New York City Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

New York City is renowned for times when you don't have a car. Also, Sendai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

New York City has a great public transit system. The city has one of the largest subway systems in the world. There's also an elaborate bus system, ferry system, and yellow taxis all around town.

Sendai offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are two subway lines the north-south Namboku Line and the east-west Tozai Line. These lines cross at Sendai Station.

Is Sendai or New York City a more walkable city?

New York City is renowned for its high level of walkability. Also, Sendai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

It's very easy to get around on foot in New York City. The majority of the neighborhoods in Manhattan are very walkable and easy to explore on foot. Most people prefer not to drive here as it can be overwhelming and chaotic.

Sendai is a very walkable destination. There are many parts of the city that are walkable, especially around Sendai Station as well as in the Chuo-dori arcade and the the Kokubuncho neighborhood.

For even more information, also check out Is Sendai Worth Visiting? and Is New York City Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in New York City or Sendai?

How long in Sendai or New York City?

Both Sendai and New York City have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in New York City than in Sendai. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Sendai, and 3-7 days is enough time in New York City.

Families should spend more time in New York City than Sendai. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in New York City, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in New York City than Sendai. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in New York City that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in New York City than Sendai if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in New York City.

One day in Sendai or New York City?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the vibrant destination of Sendai. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

New York City is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Sendai or New York City?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sendai. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

New York City is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Sendai or New York City?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cosmopolitan destination of Sendai. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in New York City. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Sendai or New York City?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Sendai. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

New York City is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sendai and New York City, we can see that New York City is more expensive. And not only is Sendai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Sendai is in Asia and New York City is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Sendai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sendai and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in New York City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in New York City than you might in Sendai.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Sendai Expensive? and Is New York City Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Sendai or New York City?

New York City has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Sendai. When comparing the sizes of Sendai and New York City, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Sendai or New York City?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Sendai or New York City in the Summer?

Both New York City and Sendai are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Sendai for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to New York City in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Sendai is generally cooler than New York City. Daily temperatures in Sendai average around 23°C (73°F), and New York City fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in New York City. It's quite rainy in Sendai. In July, Sendai usually receives more rain than New York City. Sendai gets 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while New York City receives 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Sendai or New York City in the Autumn?

Both New York City and Sendai during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Sendai in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to New York City for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Sendai is around the same temperature as New York City in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sendai averages around 15°C (59°F) in October, and New York City fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sendai. Sendai usually gets more rain in October than New York City. Sendai gets 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while New York City receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sendai or New York City in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Sendai and New York City. Most visitors come to Sendai for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to New York City because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

The weather in New York City can be very cold. Sendai can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Sendai is much warmer than New York City. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sendai in January average around 2°C (35°F), and New York City averages at about 31°F (-1°C).

In January, Sendai usually receives less rain than New York City. Sendai gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while New York City receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Sendai or New York City in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Sendai as well as New York City. The spring months attract visitors to Sendai because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to New York City this time of year.

In April, Sendai is generally around the same temperature as New York City. Daily temperatures in Sendai average around 10°C (51°F), and New York City fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

Sendai usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as New York City. Sendai gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while New York City receives 3.8 inches (98 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for New York City and Sendai