freedomrankings.comState vs State
On the default equal-weight blend, Rhode Island is more free than Massachusetts overall, scoring 54 to 44 out of 100 and winning 6 of the ten freedom categories outright. The widest gap is in Regulatory Burden, where Rhode Island leads by 4.7 points.
The sharpest contrast is Regulatory Burden, where Rhode Island leads 6.7 to 2.0 out of 10 — a 4.7-point gap. They also part ways on Economic Freedom (Massachusetts +3.5) and Property Rights (Rhode Island +3.5). Where they’re most alike is Drug Policy (9.5 vs 9.5).
Bottom line: Massachusetts’s strongest case is Criminal Justice (10.0/10), while Rhode Island’s is Drug Policy (9.5/10) — so the freer choice depends on which of those you weight most.
Massachusetts leads in 3 categories · Rhode Island leads in 6 · 1 tied
Rhode Island ranks higher overall, scoring 54/100 versus 44/100 across the ten freedom categories. Rhode Island wins 6 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 1.8/10), the category that folds in tax burden, regulation, and business climate.
Rhode Island scores higher on Second Amendment freedom (1.4/10 vs 0.8/10), reflecting carry laws, permitting, and firearm restrictions.
Rhode Island scores higher on education choice (4.8/10 vs 1.5/10), covering vouchers, ESAs, charters, and homeschool freedom.