freedomrankings.comState vs State
On the default equal-weight blend, Vermont is more free than New York overall, scoring 61.3 to 41.3 out of 100 and winning 6 of the ten freedom categories outright. The widest gap is in Property Rights, where Vermont leads by 8.0 points.
The sharpest contrast is Property Rights, where Vermont leads 9.5 to 1.5 out of 10 — an 8.0-point gap. They also part ways on Regulatory Burden (Vermont +7.2) and 2nd Amendment (Vermont +2.7). Where they’re most alike is Drug Policy (9.5 vs 9.5).
Bottom line: New York’s strongest case is Drug Policy (9.5/10), while Vermont’s is Drug Policy (9.5/10) — so the freer choice depends on which of those you weight most.
New York leads in 3 categories · Vermont leads in 6 · 1 tied
Vermont ranks higher overall, scoring 61.3/100 versus 41.3/100 across the ten freedom categories. Vermont wins 6 of the ten categories outright. Which state is "freer" for you depends on which of those freedoms you weight most.
Vermont scores higher on economic freedom (1.0/10 vs 0.2/10), the category that folds in tax burden, regulation, and business climate.
Vermont scores higher on Second Amendment freedom (2.7/10 vs 0.0/10), reflecting carry laws, permitting, and firearm restrictions.
Vermont scores higher on education choice (4.1/10 vs 1.5/10), covering vouchers, ESAs, charters, and homeschool freedom.