http://taxfoundation.org/blog/real-value-100-each-state-0
related: property& vehicle taxes
http://th3core.com/talk/economics-investing/where-does-your-state-fare-when-it-comes-to-property-taxes-and-vehicle-taxes/
Of course, the local variation in places like NY and CA is huge.
Even in a rural part of CA, though, I think it's relatively expensive. Pretty sure my fairly modest home would be built for half the price in Alabama.