freedomrankings.comState vs State
On the default equal-weight blend, New Jersey is more free than New York overall, scoring 46 to 41 out of 100 and winning 6 of the ten freedom categories outright. The widest gap is in Property Rights, where New Jersey leads by 3.5 points.
The sharpest contrast is Property Rights, where New Jersey leads 5.0 to 1.5 out of 10 — a 3.5-point gap. They also part ways on Economic Freedom (New Jersey +2.2) and 4th Amendment (New York +2.0). Where they’re most alike is Education Choice (1.5 vs 1.5).
Bottom line: New Jersey’s strongest case is Criminal Justice (9.6/10), while New York’s is Drug Policy (9.5/10) — so the freer choice depends on which of those you weight most.
New Jersey leads in 6 categories · New York leads in 2 · 2 tied
New Jersey ranks higher overall, scoring 46/100 versus 41/100 across the ten freedom categories. New Jersey wins 6 of the ten categories outright. Which state is "freer" for you depends on which of those freedoms you weight most.
New Jersey scores higher on economic freedom (2.4/10 vs 0.2/10), the category that folds in tax burden, regulation, and business climate.
New Jersey scores higher on Second Amendment freedom (0.2/10 vs 0.0/10), reflecting carry laws, permitting, and firearm restrictions.
New Jersey and New York tie on education choice (1.5/10 each).