freedomrankings.comState vs State
On the default equal-weight blend, Idaho is more free than California overall, scoring 63 to 44 out of 100 and winning 5 of the ten freedom categories outright. The widest gap is in Regulatory Burden, where Idaho leads by 9.6 points.
The sharpest contrast is Regulatory Burden, where Idaho leads 10.0 to 0.4 out of 10 — a 9.6-point gap. They also part ways on 2nd Amendment (Idaho +9.2) and Economic Freedom (Idaho +8.6). Where they’re most alike is Property Rights (5.0 vs 5.0).
Bottom line: California’s strongest case is Drug Policy (9.5/10), while Idaho’s is Regulatory Burden (10.0/10) — so the freer choice depends on which of those you weight most.
California leads in 4 categories · Idaho leads in 5 · 1 tied
Idaho ranks higher overall, scoring 63/100 versus 44/100 across the ten freedom categories. Idaho wins 5 of the ten categories outright. Which state is "freer" for you depends on which of those freedoms you weight most.
Idaho scores higher on economic freedom (9.2/10 vs 0.6/10), the category that folds in tax burden, regulation, and business climate.
Idaho scores higher on Second Amendment freedom (9.8/10 vs 0.6/10), reflecting carry laws, permitting, and firearm restrictions.
Idaho scores higher on education choice (7.0/10 vs 1.5/10), covering vouchers, ESAs, charters, and homeschool freedom.