freedomrankings.comState vs State
On the default equal-weight blend, Virginia is more free than Maryland overall, scoring 57 to 56 out of 100 and winning 5 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 Economic Freedom (Virginia +3.0) and Property Rights (Virginia +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 Virginia’s is Drug Policy (8.0/10) — so the freer choice depends on which of those you weight most.
Maryland leads in 4 categories · Virginia leads in 5 · 1 tied
Virginia ranks higher overall, scoring 57/100 versus 56/100 across the ten freedom categories. Virginia wins 5 of the ten categories outright. Which state is "freer" for you depends on which of those freedoms you weight most.
Virginia scores higher on economic freedom (7.1/10 vs 4.1/10), the category that folds in tax burden, regulation, and business climate.
Virginia scores higher on Second Amendment freedom (3.1/10 vs 1.2/10), reflecting carry laws, permitting, and firearm restrictions.
Virginia scores higher on education choice (4.9/10 vs 4.5/10), covering vouchers, ESAs, charters, and homeschool freedom.