The US has varied rates on ST based on state (for example, in New Jersey: its somewhere around 6.6%) but that in itself is nowhere close to an actual country (like, Norway imposes 25% VAT on everything nationwide, its included in the final price) but taxes in general are intended to fund roads, education, infrastructure, etc. (this is something all countries have) and taxes are deducted when you receive your paycheck.
The difference is that Norway imposes 25% VAT (whatever the price is, includes tax) for a reason: to maintain high quality standard of living (it explains why you don’t hear stories of medical or student debt as much) as their public services are funded from high taxes imposed towards citizens. While in the US: sales tax is only added upon checkout, but what do you receive from the government in return after paying taxes?
Not the question you should be asking. You should be asking: is the total tax burden justified for what you get?
I’m in Oregon and have no sales tax, but my income and property taxes are higher and my total tax burden is a little above the mean. I think I get a decent State to live in, good roads, fairly functional social net, environment protections, mediocre schools. I think the tax burden is mostly justified…