freedomrankings.comState vs State
On the default equal-weight blend, Pennsylvania is more free than New Jersey overall, scoring 56 to 46 out of 100 and winning 6 of the ten freedom categories outright. The widest gap is in Criminal Justice, where New Jersey leads by 4.5 points.
The sharpest contrast is Criminal Justice, where New Jersey leads 9.6 to 5.1 out of 10 — a 4.5-point gap. They also part ways on Education Choice (Pennsylvania +4.2) and Economic Freedom (Pennsylvania +4.1). Where they’re most alike is 4th Amendment (4.5 vs 4.5).
Bottom line: New Jersey’s strongest case is Criminal Justice (9.6/10), while Pennsylvania’s is Property Rights (8.0/10) — so the freer choice depends on which of those you weight most.
New Jersey leads in 2 categories · Pennsylvania leads in 6 · 2 tied
Pennsylvania ranks higher overall, scoring 56/100 versus 46/100 across the ten freedom categories. Pennsylvania wins 6 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 2.4/10), the category that folds in tax burden, regulation, and business climate.
Pennsylvania scores higher on Second Amendment freedom (3.7/10 vs 0.2/10), reflecting carry laws, permitting, and firearm restrictions.
Pennsylvania scores higher on education choice (5.7/10 vs 1.5/10), covering vouchers, ESAs, charters, and homeschool freedom.