freedomrankings.comState vs State
On the default equal-weight blend, Massachusetts is more free than New York overall, scoring 44.1 to 41.3 out of 100 and winning 4 of the ten freedom categories outright. The widest gap is in Economic Freedom, where Massachusetts leads by 5.1 points.
The sharpest contrast is Economic Freedom, where Massachusetts leads 5.3 to 0.2 out of 10 — a 5.1-point gap. They also part ways on 4th Amendment (New York +5.0) and Regulatory Burden (Massachusetts +1.4). Where they’re most alike is Education Choice (1.5 vs 1.5).
Bottom line: Massachusetts’s strongest case is Criminal Justice (10.0/10), while New York’s is Drug Policy (9.5/10) — so the freer choice depends on which of those you weight most.
Massachusetts leads in 4 categories · New York leads in 2 · 4 tied
Massachusetts ranks higher overall, scoring 44.1/100 versus 41.3/100 across the ten freedom categories. Massachusetts wins 4 of the ten categories outright. Which state is "freer" for you depends on which of those freedoms you weight most.
Massachusetts scores higher on economic freedom (5.3/10 vs 0.2/10), the category that folds in tax burden, regulation, and business climate.
Massachusetts scores higher on Second Amendment freedom (0.8/10 vs 0.0/10), reflecting carry laws, permitting, and firearm restrictions.
Massachusetts and New York tie on education choice (1.5/10 each).