A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Perth vs. Sendai for Beaches, Attractions, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Perth or Sendai?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Perth and Sendai can help you decide which place is right for you.

Perth

Perth is a relaxed, easy-going, and isolated city. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Sendai

Sendai is a vibrant, cosmopolitan, and lively city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Perth and Sendai: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less attractive beach


Is there more to do in Perth or Sendai?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Sendai than Perth. While Perth is larger than Sendai, Sendai has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Sendai is very popular for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Perth attracts visitors for its beaches. Sendai is more touristy than Perth and is known for the Tanabata Festival, which is the largest of its kind and held every August. It is also well known for the statue of Lord Masamune. Perth is famous for its beautiful city beaches, sunny weather, and isolated location.

How is Perth different from Sendai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Perth or Sendai?

Perth
Sendai

Spend time exploring the excellent sights and museums in either Perth or Sendai.

Many visitors head to Perth specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are some interesting sights and museums around town like the Perth Mint, the Art Gallery of Western Australia, the Bell Tower, and Scitech. There's also the Perth Zoo and the Aviation Heritage Museum.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Sendai can be an interesting and educational experience. 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 the Food Better in Perth or Sendai? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Perth
Sendai

Both Perth and Sendai offer nice local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Perth. There's a good selection of restaurants with many great international options as well as fine dining and casual. Family-friendly restaurants are also very common.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Sendai. 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 Perth or Sendai Better for Nightlife?

Perth
Sendai

Sendai is great for nightlife. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

Many people head to Sendai for the nightlife scene. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Perth. The city has many nightclubs and music venues. There are also low key pubs and trendy wine bars. Northbridge is at the heart of the city's nightlife scene, and this is where you'll find the highest concentration of bars, restaurants, clubs, and cafes.

Is Perth or Sendai Better for Beaches?

Perth
Sendai

Perth is renowned for the beache. Also, Sendai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the beach.

The beaches in Perth are among the best in the world. There is an 80 kilometer coastline that has beautiful turquoise water and white sandy beaches. Within the city there are 19 beaches that offer snorkeling, swimming, and surfing. Many beaches have any amenity that you might need but it's also very easy to escape the city crowds.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Sendai. There are a number of beaches in the area, but for the best options you'll want to head a bit out of town.


Is the Shopping Better in Perth or Sendai?

Perth
Sendai

Sendai is great for shopping. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Perth offers some nice shopping areas. There are weekend street markets where you can pick up local crafts. There are also large shopping malls and trendy high end boutiques with international and local brands.

Is Perth or Sendai Better for Families?

Perth
Sendai

You'll find excellent kid-friendly activities in either Perth or Sendai.

Perth is a very family-friendly destination. It's a family-friendly city with ropes courses, fruit picking, and many different playgrounds and kid-friendly activities. There's also the Perth Zoo and several kid-friendly museums like the Aviation Heritage Museum and Scitech. Kids will also enjoy spending a day or two at the beach.

Sendai is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Is Perth or Sendai Better for Couples?

Perth
Sendai

Both Perth and Sendai are nice destinations to visit as a couple.

Perth is a nice destination for couples. The city has many great restaurants and bars. There's also wine tasting and river cruises on the Swan River.

Sendai makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Perth or Sendai Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Perth
Sendai

For backpackers, both Perth and Sendai are nice places to visit.

Perth is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. While most backpackers don't make it all the way to this isolated city, those that do will be rewarded with beautiful beaches, fun festivals, and an authentic and off-the-beaten-path experience.

It's common for backpackers to visit Sendai. 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 Perth or Sendai Better for Students?

Perth
Sendai

Perth is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Sendai is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Perth. Students love the low cost of living and the year round climate that is sunny and pleasant.

Sendai is not popular with students.

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

Perth
Sendai

Sendai is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Sendai. There are two subway lines the north-south Namboku Line and the east-west Tozai Line. These lines cross at Sendai Station.

Perth has a few public transit options. There are buses, trains, and ferries that help you get around the city.


Is Perth or Sendai a more walkable city?

Perth
Sendai

Sendai is great for its walkability. Also, Perth is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

Sendai is very walkable. 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.

Perth is a somewhat walkable place. There are some pedestrian-friendly areas with streets that are fun to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Perth Worth Visiting? and Is Sendai Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sendai or Perth?

How long in Perth or Sendai?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Perth and Sendai. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Perth than in Sendai. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Perth, and 2-3 days is enough time in Sendai.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sendai than Perth 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 Sendai.


  • How many days in Perth or Sendai? Ideal Length of Stay
    Perth 2-4 
    Sendai 2-3

One day in Perth or Sendai?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Perth. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Sendai, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this lively destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Perth or Sendai?

Perth is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sendai. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.


Five days in Perth or Sendai?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Perth. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. Most people come for the beaches. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Sendai is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Sendai. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Perth or Sendai?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the isolated destination of Perth. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the vibrant destination of Sendai. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Australia, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Australia, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.


Which place is cheaper, Sendai or Perth?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Perth is $130, while the average daily cost in Sendai is $105. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Perth and Sendai in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Perth $75
    Sendai $59
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Perth $150
    Sendai $118
Compare Hotels in Perth and Sendai

Looking for a hotel in Perth or Sendai? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Perth


Hotels in Sendai


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Perth Hotel Prices and Sendai Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Perth $25
    Sendai $18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Perth

Also for Perth, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Perth City Hotels to Fremantle Cruise Port : $33
  • Private Transfer from Fremantle Cruise Port to Perth city hotels: $33
  • Private Transfer from Fremantle Cruise Port to Perth Airport(PER): $33
  • Rottnest Island Flight Transfer with Return Ferry: $219
  • One Way Flight Transfer to or from Rottnest Island: $163
  • Perth city to Perth Airport (PER) - Departure Private Transfer: $33
  • Perth Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to Perth city: $67
  • Hillarys Boat Harbour: Rottnest Island Ferry Transfer: $59
  • Departure Private Transfer: Perth City to Perth Airport PER in Business Car: $76

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sendai

Also for Sendai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Sendai Airport to/from Sendai City private transfer: $76

Is it cheaper to fly into Perth or Sendai?

Prices for flights to both Sendai and Perth change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Perth $36
    Sendai $33

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Perth

For Perth, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Hands on Cooking Class or Cooking Workshop Experience: $69
  • American BBQ Food Tour: $78
  • Half-Day Low and Slow BBQ Food Tour in Perth: $79
  • Swan River Dinner Cruise with Beverages: $111
  • Perth Swan River Dinner Cruise: $112
  • From Pinnacles Sunset and Stargazing Tour with Dinner: $114
  • Pinnacles Sunset Dinner and Stargazing Experience a Small Group Tour: $116
  • Pinnacle Desert Sunset and Stargazing with Dinner: $140
  • The 10 Tastings of Perth With Locals: Private Food Tour : $159

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Perth $14
    Sendai $18

Tours and Activities in Perth

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Perth.

  • 1/2 day Swan Valley Wine Cheese & Chocolate Tour Inc Afternoon Cruise to Perth: $86
  • 2 Hours Whale Watching Tour in Fremantle: $50
  • Adventure Rottnest Tour with Ferry & Adventure Cruise: $101
  • BEST OF FREMANTLE WALKING TOUR: History, Art and Culture: $39
  • Best of Fremantle 2-Hour Walking Tour: $30
  • Bickley Valley Wine & Cider Tour - Premium Small Group Tour: $132
  • Caversham Wildlife and Swan Valley Private Tour: $298
  • City Tour Perth & Fremantle & Swan River: $125
  • Cliffs and Caves Kayak Tour in Swan River: $59
  • Coffee, Culture, and Art Tour of Perth: $33
  • Discover Rottnest with Ferry & Bus Tour: $91
  • Dolphin, Penguin and Sea Lion Cruise: $56

Tours and Activities in Sendai

For Sendai, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Japanese Taiko Drum Experience at Sairi Yashiki : $71
  • Sendai, Okama: Private tour from Sendai city to Okama: $251

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Perth $7.41
    Sendai $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Perth

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Perth:

  • Little Creatures Brewery Tours : $17
  • Afternoon Swan Valley Wine Tasting with Transportation: $62
  • Swan Valley: Half-Day Wine Tour From Perth: $62
  • Half Day Swan Valley Wine Tour: $63
  • Swan Valley Half Day Wine Tour from Perth: $66
  • Half-Day Swan Valley Wine Tour with Tastings - From Perth: $69
  • Swan Valley: Out for the Afternoon Wine Tasting with Lunch: $75
  • Small-Group Gin Distillery Tour in Perth: $89
  • Swan Valley: Full-Day Wine Tour with Lunch: $91
  • From Swan Valley Winery & Brewery Day Tour With Lunch: $108
  • Swan River Kayaking Tour with Dining and Wine Tasting: $108
  • VIP Swan Valley Wine Tour - Premium Small Group Wine Tour: $131


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Perth and Sendai, we can see that Perth is more expensive. And not only is Sendai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Perth is in Pacific and Sendai is in Asia, 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 Perth would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Perth 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 Perth Expensive? and Is Sendai Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Perth or Sendai?

Perth has a larger population, and is about 39% larger than the population of Sendai. When comparing the sizes of Perth and Sendai, 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 Perth or Sendai?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Perth is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Sendai has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Perth or Sendai in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Perth and Sendai. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Perth this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Sendai for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Perth is around the same temperature as Sendai. Typically, the summer temperatures in Perth in January average around 25°C (76°F), and Sendai averages at about 23°C (73°F)in July.

In Perth, it's very sunny this time of the year. Perth usually receives more sunshine than Sendai during summer. Perth gets 331 hours of sunny skies, while Sendai receives 124 hours of full sun in the summer.

Sendai receives a lot of rain in the summer. In January, Perth usually receives less rain than Sendaiin July. Perth gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Perth 25°C (76°F) 
    Sendai 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Perth or Sendai in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Perth as well as Sendai. Many travelers come to Perth for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Sendai in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In April, Perth is generally a little warmer than Sendaiin October. Daily temperatures in Perth average around 19°C (67°F), and Sendai fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Perth this time of the year. In the autumn, Perth often gets more sunshine than Sendaiin October. Perth gets 219 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sendai receives 149 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Sendai. Perth usually gets less rain in April than Sendaiin October. Perth gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Perth 19°C (67°F) 
    Sendai 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Perth or Sendai in the Winter?

Both Sendai and Perth are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Perth in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Sendai for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Sendai can be very cold during winter. Perth is much warmer than Sendai in the winter. The daily temperature in Perth averages around 13°C (55°F) in July, and Sendai fluctuates around 2°C (35°F)in January.

Perth usually receives more sunshine than Sendai during winter. Perth gets 166 hours of sunny skies, while Sendai receives 149 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Perth. In July, Perth usually receives more rain than Sendaiin January. Perth gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Perth 13°C (55°F) 
    Sendai 2°C (35°F)

Should I visit Perth or Sendai in the Spring?

Both Sendai and Perth during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Perth for the beaches during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Sendai because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Perth is much warmer than Sendai. Typically, the spring temperatures in Perth in October average around 17°C (62°F), and Sendai averages at about 10°C (51°F)in April.

It's quite sunny in Perth. In the spring, Perth often gets more sunshine than Sendaiin April. Perth gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sendai receives 188 hours of full sun.

Perth usually gets less rain in October than Sendaiin April. Perth gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Perth 17°C (62°F) 
    Sendai 10°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Sendai and Perth

Perth Sendai
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (76°F) 7 mm (0.3 in) 2°C (35°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 2°C (35°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 23°C (73°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 5°C (40°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 19°C (67°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 10°C (51°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
May 16°C (61°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 15°C (60°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Jun 14°C (58°F) 201 mm (7.9 in) 19°C (66°F) 133 mm (5.2 in)
Jul 13°C (55°F) 170 mm (6.7 in) 23°C (73°F) 151 mm (5.9 in)
Aug 13°C (56°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 25°C (77°F) 165 mm (6.5 in)
Sep 15°C (58°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 21°C (69°F) 187 mm (7.4 in)
Oct 17°C (62°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 15°C (59°F) 103 mm (4.1 in)
Nov 19°C (67°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 9°C (49°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Dec 22°C (72°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 4°C (40°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)