freedomrankings.comState vs State
On the default equal-weight blend, Arizona is more free than California overall, scoring 69 to 44 out of 100 and winning 6 of the ten freedom categories outright. The widest gap is in Regulatory Burden, where Arizona leads by 8.6 points.
The sharpest contrast is Regulatory Burden, where Arizona leads 9.0 to 0.4 out of 10 — an 8.6-point gap. They also part ways on 2nd Amendment (Arizona +8.4) and Education Choice (Arizona +8.2). Where they’re most alike is Drug Policy (9.5 vs 9.5).
Bottom line: Arizona’s strongest case is Education Choice (9.7/10), while California’s is Drug Policy (9.5/10) — so the freer choice depends on which of those you weight most.
Arizona leads in 6 categories · California leads in 3 · 1 tied
Arizona ranks higher overall, scoring 69/100 versus 44/100 across the ten freedom categories. Arizona wins 6 of the ten categories outright. Which state is "freer" for you depends on which of those freedoms you weight most.
Arizona scores higher on economic freedom (3.3/10 vs 0.6/10), the category that folds in tax burden, regulation, and business climate.
Arizona scores higher on Second Amendment freedom (9.0/10 vs 0.6/10), reflecting carry laws, permitting, and firearm restrictions.
Arizona scores higher on education choice (9.7/10 vs 1.5/10), covering vouchers, ESAs, charters, and homeschool freedom.