My point was that people in those states with lower total taxes are paying more in federal tax. Deductibility on property taxes doesn't help renters out so much

My point was that people in those states with lower total taxes are paying more in federal tax. Deductibility on property taxes doesn't help renters out so much- and the average payment in TX is less than $4000. In addition, state and local sales taxes are not deductible. So, despite all of your points, Texans on average are getting 0.86% off of their federal tax basis from state and local tax deductions, while New Yorkers are getting 6.16% and Californians get 5.14% off. While the New Yorkers and Californians may be paying more total tax, Texans are paying more for the Federal Income tax.