freedomrankings.comState vs State
On the default equal-weight blend, Colorado is more free than California overall, scoring 54 to 44 out of 100 and winning 4 of the ten freedom categories outright. The widest gap is in Economic Freedom, where Colorado leads by 7.0 points.
The sharpest contrast is Economic Freedom, where Colorado leads 7.6 to 0.6 out of 10 — a 7.0-point gap. They also part ways on Regulatory Burden (Colorado +2.3) and Criminal Justice (California +2.3). Where they’re most alike is Education Choice (1.5 vs 1.5).
Bottom line: California’s strongest case is Drug Policy (9.5/10), while Colorado’s is Drug Policy (9.5/10) — so the freer choice depends on which of those you weight most.
California leads in 2 categories · Colorado leads in 4 · 4 tied
Colorado ranks higher overall, scoring 54/100 versus 44/100 across the ten freedom categories. Colorado wins 4 of the ten categories outright. Which state is "freer" for you depends on which of those freedoms you weight most.
Colorado scores higher on economic freedom (7.6/10 vs 0.6/10), the category that folds in tax burden, regulation, and business climate.
Colorado scores higher on Second Amendment freedom (2.4/10 vs 0.6/10), reflecting carry laws, permitting, and firearm restrictions.
California and Colorado tie on education choice (1.5/10 each).