People who live in NYS get gouged massively in every way.
For instance, Real estate here is very expensive. But the tax rates are much lower than in Erie County.
Here's a property in San Jose which is listing for $550,000. The total taxes are $4532 per year.
http://www.zillow.co.../19790937_zpid/
Here's a property in Williamsville which is listing for $389,400. The total taxes are $10,347.
http://www.zillow.co.../30245590_zpid/
And keep in mind that living in CA is expensive. But New Yorkers get the crap taxed out of them.