It is a year old, but it holds some interesting rankings. It is from the Cato Institute.

Freedom in the States

I read that but I'm not sure what "freedom" means. Just because I pay less taxes doesn't mean I'm more free than the guy in Colorado who can smoke weed.

In my mind, your economic situation is a driver of freedom. I'd much rather make $300K in California and pay 11% tax that $45K in Mississippi and pay no state taxes.

Interesting. In my mind, economic opportunity is the bigger driver in freedom.

If you take equivalent jobs in Cali and Ol Miss, then you could have a real point on your level of argument.

If it is easier to branch out on my own as an entrepreneur in Ol Miss, and I'm a go getter, that would be a better choice.

If I'm a software engineer, then Cali would likely be the better choice.

Taxes, regulation, and education all combine to make for better opportunities in various areas.