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?
Income, sales, property, vehicle/gas and other taxes are just different ways of getting money. Different states may have one tax be pretty high, but another is low or non-existent. At the end of the day, the government will get their money somehow, and if they don’t you’ll generally find you get what you pay for.