Each state, like each province, if it costs a lot to maintain, i.e. Roads, police, social services, will pay higher taxes. There is often a hidden tax that goes to the government from purchases made. If income for that area is high, less tax required. As well if lower maintenance to roads, other stuff like that, taxes will be higher. Here we pay an awful lot of taxes cause every year, our winters tear up our roads. There's a saying here, there are only two seasons, winter and construction :)