freedomrankings.comState vs State
On the default equal-weight blend, Texas is more free than California overall, scoring 59 to 44 out of 100 and winning 6 of the ten freedom categories outright. The widest gap is in Economic Freedom, where Texas leads by 8.8 points.
The sharpest contrast is Economic Freedom, where Texas leads 9.4 to 0.6 out of 10 — an 8.8-point gap. They also part ways on 2nd Amendment (Texas +7.8) and Drug Policy (California +6.5). Where they’re most alike is Regulatory Burden (0.4 vs 1.2).
Bottom line: California’s strongest case is Drug Policy (9.5/10), while Texas’s is Economic Freedom (9.4/10) — so the freer choice depends on which of those you weight most.
California leads in 4 categories · Texas leads in 6 · 0 tied
Texas ranks higher overall, scoring 59/100 versus 44/100 across the ten freedom categories. Texas wins 6 of the ten categories outright. Which state is "freer" for you depends on which of those freedoms you weight most.
Texas scores higher on economic freedom (9.4/10 vs 0.6/10), the category that folds in tax burden, regulation, and business climate.
Texas scores higher on Second Amendment freedom (8.4/10 vs 0.6/10), reflecting carry laws, permitting, and firearm restrictions.
Texas scores higher on education choice (7.0/10 vs 1.5/10), covering vouchers, ESAs, charters, and homeschool freedom.