freedomrankings.comState vs State
On the default equal-weight blend, Maryland is more free than Pennsylvania overall, scoring 56.4 to 55.6 out of 100 and winning 4 of the ten freedom categories outright. The widest gap is in 4th Amendment, where Maryland leads by 4.0 points.
The sharpest contrast is 4th Amendment, where Maryland leads 8.5 to 4.5 out of 10 — a 4.0-point gap. They also part ways on Drug Policy (Maryland +4.0) and Property Rights (Pennsylvania +3.0). Where they’re most alike is 1st Amendment (7.0 vs 7.0).
Bottom line: Maryland’s strongest case is Drug Policy (9.5/10), while Pennsylvania’s is Property Rights (8.0/10) — so the freer choice depends on which of those you weight most.
Maryland leads in 4 categories · Pennsylvania leads in 5 · 1 tied
Maryland ranks higher overall, scoring 56.4/100 versus 55.6/100 across the ten freedom categories. Maryland wins 4 of the ten categories outright. Which state is "freer" for you depends on which of those freedoms you weight most.
Pennsylvania scores higher on economic freedom (6.5/10 vs 4.1/10), the category that folds in tax burden, regulation, and business climate.
Pennsylvania scores higher on Second Amendment freedom (3.7/10 vs 1.2/10), reflecting carry laws, permitting, and firearm restrictions.
Pennsylvania scores higher on education choice (5.7/10 vs 4.5/10), covering vouchers, ESAs, charters, and homeschool freedom.