Livability Report
SendaiLivability Score
Miyagi·Pop. 1,096,704
5-axis livability scores for Sendai, Miyagi based on Japanese government open data. Safety, cost, transport, education, and healthcare.
Published: Mar 7, 2026·Updated: Mar 9, 2026
Overall Score
50.6
38.7
50.3
47.4
55* These scores are based on statistical analysis of public data and do not represent a definitive assessment of any area. Actual livability varies depending on individual values and lifestyle.
5-Axis Score Breakdown
Safety50.6/100Cost38.7/100Convenience50.3/100Welfare47.4/100Economy55/100Basic Information
Population
1,096,704
Prefecture
Miyagi
Q&A with Kai
Alex, Yuki, and Kai discuss what it's really like to live here.
Safety
Alex
Safety at 68.8 with a 5.12 crime rate — how does that look for Tohoku's capital?
Yuki
Is 5.12 per 1,000 considered safe for a city of about 1.1 million?
Kai
A crime rate of 5.12 per 1,000 is a stable figure for a designated major city of about 1.1 million. Sendai's entertainment district is concentrated around Kokubuncho, while residential areas in Aoba Ward and suburban Izumi and Taihaku wards are very peaceful. The iconic zelkova tree-lined avenues create a calm, green atmosphere that truly embodies the City of Trees character.
Cost of Living
Alex
Cost score of 73.3 is solid. What are land prices like?
Yuki
Is it expensive for the Tohoku region?
Kai
The average land price is about 303,512 yen per square meter, giving a cost score of 73.3. As Tohoku's largest city, it's pricier within the region, but quite affordable compared to the Tokyo metropolitan area. Even central Aoba Ward has reasonably priced residential land, and Wakabayashi and Miyagino wards are even more budget-friendly. For a city of 1.1 million with ample commercial and lifestyle infrastructure, the value proposition is strong.
Convenience
Alex
Transport at 35.7 is on the lower side despite having a subway system.
Yuki
How should we interpret 25.0% public transit usage?
Kai
Public transit usage is 25.0%, giving a transport score of 35.7. Sendai has two subway lines (Namboku and Tozai), JR, and buses, but with limited rail coverage, suburban areas are car-dependent. However, Sendai Station offers Tohoku Shinkansen access to Tokyo in about 90 minutes — excellent intercity connectivity as the gateway to the six Tohoku prefectures. The Tozai Line, opened in 2015, has improved eastern area accessibility.
Welfare
Alex
Education at 52.0 is one of Sendai's higher scores. The 'Academic City' title holds up?
Yuki
Is a density of 0.18 per 1,000 a good figure?
Kai
With 200 schools at 0.18 per 1,000 residents, Sendai has a solid school density. The 'Academic City' moniker is well-earned — Tohoku University leads a concentration of higher education institutions including Miyagi University of Education and Tohoku Gakuin University. The large student population supports robust educational facilities, giving families abundant schooling options.
Economy
Alex
Healthcare at 28.5 is a bit low. Only 56 hospitals for about 1.1 million people?
Yuki
How adequate is 0.51 per 10,000?
Kai
There are 56 hospitals at 0.51 per 10,000, with total medical facilities at 9.28 per 10,000. The standout is clinics: 962 at 8.77 per 10,000 is a very high density, meaning finding a regular family doctor is no problem. The structure shows more strength in outpatient clinic coverage than hospital capacity. Tohoku University Hospital serves as a major advanced medical center, providing a solid safety net for serious conditions.
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Detailed Data
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Avg. Land Price (¥/m²) | 303,512 |
| avg_rent | 54,063 |
| Clinics | 962 |
| Clinics (per 10,000) | 8.77 |
| Crime Rate (per 1,000) | 5.12 |
| Hospitals | 56 |
| Hospitals (per 10,000) | 0.51 |
| Medical Facilities (per 10,000, hospitals + clinics) | 9.28 |
| net_migration | 807 |
| net_migration_rate | 0.07 |
| Total Population | 1,096,704 |
| Public Transit Usage (%) | 25 |
| restaurant_count | 5,019 |
| restaurant_per_1000 | 4.58 |
| retail_count | 7,375 |
| retail_per_1000 | 6.72 |
| Schools (elementary + junior high + high) | 200 |
| Schools (per 1,000) | 0.18 |
| taxable_income_per_capita | 3,645,734 |
Data: 2024