Full state page

CNBC 2025 · #22 of 50

California

Moderate

Improved 1 rank since CNBC 2024 (#23 → #22)

Overall score
81 /100

Rank #22 of 50

Best for

  • VC-Backed
  • Strong tech ecosystem
  • Capital access

Category snapshot

Top strengths

  • Technology & Innovation #1
  • Access to Capital #1
  • Economy #12

Areas to improve

  • Cost of Living #50
  • Business Friendliness #48

Founder Lens highlight

VC-Backed — #5 of 50 · 65/100

StateCompass derived from CNBC category scores — not CNBC's official overall rank.