freedomrankings.comState vs State
On the default equal-weight blend, Montana is more free than Idaho overall, scoring 72.1 to 62.7 out of 100 and winning 4 of the ten freedom categories outright. The widest gap is in Drug Policy, where Montana leads by 8.5 points.
The sharpest contrast is Drug Policy, where Montana leads 9.5 to 1.0 out of 10 — an 8.5-point gap. They also part ways on Criminal Justice (Montana +6.1) and Economic Freedom (Idaho +3.7). Where they’re most alike is Property Rights (5.0 vs 5.0).
Bottom line: Idaho’s strongest case is Regulatory Burden (10.0/10), while Montana’s is 2nd Amendment (9.6/10) — so the freer choice depends on which of those you weight most.
Idaho leads in 4 categories · Montana leads in 4 · 2 tied
Montana ranks higher overall, scoring 72.1/100 versus 62.7/100 across the ten freedom categories. Montana wins 4 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 5.5/10), the category that folds in tax burden, regulation, and business climate.
Idaho scores higher on Second Amendment freedom (9.8/10 vs 9.6/10), reflecting carry laws, permitting, and firearm restrictions.
Montana scores higher on education choice (7.3/10 vs 7.0/10), covering vouchers, ESAs, charters, and homeschool freedom.