[Dubya]

But another factor behind our slow growth in prices will pain the average Joe: The other key costs of homeownership -- taxes, insurance and utilities -- are so high in Texas that they probably hurt values.

Which means we both make less on our homes and pay more to own and operate them than in most other parts of the country.

[mnehring]

The overall per capita tax rate in Texas, however, is lower. Even factoring in higher average property tax, we don’t have an income tax nor personal property tax (taxation of possessions other than home) and our sales tax is considerably low.

I believe Texas has the 2nd lowest per capita tax rate in the country (including property taxes)