True Red states have much higher costs of living, in consequence of which employers must pay higher wages,
You definitely forgot your sarc tag. That is so not true. Compare Maryland to Mississippi. The cost of living is higher in Maryland then Mississippi but the pay is probably 1/2 of what Maryland pays.
Which areas of Mississippi are you talking about? There are very liberal areas (resembling third world conditions) and very conservative areas which are superb places to live.
You need to read my post. Maryland is a True Red (communist) state. No sarc tag is needed.