Yes, the complete absence of state income taxes makes an enormous difference. Texas property taxes sound crazy until you take that into account.

Putting taxes on sales and property means that even those paid under the table can't escape taxation.

In the absence of an income tax and presence of similar overall government spending then increased rates of other revenue sources are a first order effect.

How this shapes the valuation of other things, like houses, is an interesting second order effect. Property tax rates shape how affordable housing is during the mortgage period and after.

Specifically Austin vs Seattle, that's a non-factor. No state income tax in WA either