Abstract
Urban digital transformation requires advanced frameworks for urban sustainability assessment. This study develops a multidimensional model for evaluating smart cities using integrated indicators across five key domains: social, economic, environmental, technological, and governance. Empirical data were gathered through a structured survey of 165 residents in Almaty and Astana, Kazakhstan. The methodology incorporated data normalization, comparative statistical analysis, and public perception evaluation. Results demonstrate strong citizen prioritization of smart mobility solutions and environmental quality, while revealing significant gaps in digital infrastructure development. The proposed framework offers a practical, citizen-centered tool for assessing smart city readiness in the Kazakhstani context. This approach enables evidence-based urban planning and supports strategic decision-making for sustainable city development, addressing both technological and social dimensions of smart transformation.